He would have infinitely preferred that the girl should wait his coming to her, on the piazza; but already she had slung her bag of sticks over her strong shoulder, and was down the steps to meet him.

Her leave-taking of the incensed Van Slyke had been the merest nod.
"You're late, Wally," said she, smiling with her usual good humor, which had already quite dissipated her impatience.

"Late, but I'll forgive you, this time.

I'm afraid we won't have time to do all eighteen holes round.

What kept you ?" "Business, business!" he answered, frowning.