I wanted to get acquainted as quickly as possible." A still small voice whispered to Colina that this was a young man after her own heart.

Aloud she remarked languidly: "How about me?
Perhaps I am not so anxious." He looked at her doubtfully, not quite knowing how to take this.
"Really he is too simple!" thought Colina.
"Of course I knew I would have to take my chance," he said.

"I didn't expect you to be waiting on the bank with a brass band and a wreath of flowers!" He smiled so boyishly that Colina, in spite of herself, was obliged to smile back.

Suddenly the absurd image caused them to burst out laughing simultaneously--and Colina felt herself lost.
Laughter was as dangerous as a train of gunpowder.

Even while he laughed Colina saw that look spring out of his eyes--the mysterious look that made her feel faint and helpless.
He leaned toward her and a still more candid avowal trembled on his lips.