He was evidently returning from a bathe himself.
"It's all right," smiled Chris.

"Are you in a great hurry?
I wondered if you would tow me a little way.

I've come too far, and I'm just a tiny bit tired." He brought the boat near, and shipped his oars.

"I will row you to the shore with pleasure, mademoiselle," he said.
"No, no," she said.

"Just throw me a rope, that's all." "But I have no rope, mademoiselle." He leaned down to her as she swam alongside; but Chris still hung back, with laughing eyes upraised.