The river at Cloisterham is sufficiently near the sea to throw up oftentimes a quantity of seaweed.

An unusual quantity had come in with the last tide, and this, and the confusion of the water, and the restless dipping and flapping of the noisy gulls, and an angry light out seaward beyond the brown-sailed barges that were turning black, foreshadowed a stormy night.

In his mind he was contrasting the wild and noisy sea with the quiet harbour of Minor Canon Corner, when Helena and Neville Landless passed below him.

He had had the two together in his thoughts all day, and at once climbed down to speak to them together.

The footing was rough in an uncertain light for any tread save that of a good climber; but the Minor Canon was as good a climber as most men, and stood beside them before many good climbers would have been half-way down.
'A wild evening, Miss Landless! Do you not find your usual walk with your brother too exposed and cold for the time of year?
Or at all events, when the sun is down, and the weather is driving in from the sea ?' Helena thought not.