They were later than usual and as they stole across the glassy water the pines on a western headland cut black and sharp against an orange glow.

To the east a faint track of silver ran back into the blue distance under the moon.

It was very quiet except for the splash of the paddle and ripple at the bows, but somewhere in the shadows a loon was calling.

By and by the lights of the hotel faded and they were alone in the dusk.
Thirlwell put down the paddle and lighted a cigarette.

He had drawn nearer the girl in the last week; a curious feeling of confidence and liking united them, but he was not her lover and knew that if he drifted into philandering she would be repelled.