They were walking self-consciously and almost guiltily near the forward end of the deck-house when they saw Veath approaching far behind.

Their speed accelerated, and for half an hour they walked like pedestrians in a racing match, always keeping some distance ahead of poor Veath, who finally, like the sly fox, sat down and waited for them to hurry around and come upon him unexpectedly.

He, of course, never knew that they were trying to avoid him, nor could he imagine why brother and sister were so flushed, happy and excited when he at last had the pleasure of joining them in their walk.

And, strange to say, although they had been wildly happy in this little love chase, they felt that they had mistreated a very good fellow and were saying as much to each other when they almost bumped into him.
Womanly perception told Grace that Veath's regard for her was beginning to assume a form quite beyond that of ordinary friendship.

She intuitively felt that he was beginning to love her.