CHAPTER X.
"Say, Big Bear! Will you take me on the water ?" Merefleet, lounging on the shingle with a pipe and newspaper, looked up with a start and hastened to knock out the half-burnt tobacco on the heel of his boot.
His American friend stood above him, clad in the white linen costume she always wore for boating.

She looked very enchanting and very childlike.
Merefleet who had seen her last sobbing bitterly in her cousin's arms, stared up at her with wonder and relief on his face.
She nodded to him.

Her eyes were marvellously bright, but he did not ascribe their brilliance to recent tears.
"You don't look exactly smart," she said critically.

"Hope I don't intrude ?" "Not a bit." Merefleet stumbled to his feet and raised his hat.

"Pardon my sluggishness! How are you this morning ?" "Fresh as paint," she returned.