As she turned to go back, he lightly caught her fingers in a detaining clasp, and said, in a voice rendered harsh by suppressed emotion-- "Don't be in such a hurry.

Where will you find a cooler spot ?" "Oh, it's cool enough anywhere! Let's go back," she replied, starting to return as she spoke.

She saw his excitement, and, being herself a little confused, had no idea of allowing a scene to be precipitated just then.
She flitted on before with so light a foot that he did not overtake her until she came to a bank too steep for her to surmount without aid.

He sprang up and extended her his hand.

Assuming an expression as if she were unconscious who was helping her, she took it, and he drew her up to his side.