Indeed, on subsequent reflection she was forced to admit that she had gone farther than was quite seemly, which somewhat naturally increased her displeasure against the man.

In the meanwhile she, however, made a little gracious gesture.

"Then I don't think the explanation was necessary," she said.
Alton laughed a little, and held out his hand.

"Do you know I'm thankful that's over once for all, and now we can be friends," he said.
"There are lots of things I can show you in the valley, and a good deal more that you can teach me." Alice Deringham could not afterwards quite decide why she shook hands with him, for she had no intention of teaching him anything, just then; but she did, and felt as the hard brown fingers closed upon her own that the friendship of this curious man could in time of necessity be relied upon.

In any case, and obeying some impulse, she shook off her chilliness, and asking questions about the district evinced a gracious interest in all he had to tell her, while presently induced by his naive frankness she smiled at him as she noticed him regarding her gravely.
"I presume a dress of this kind is scarcely suitable for the bush," she said.
Alton laughed.