He then led her to the banks of the river, here low and grassy, with plenty of wild flowers, and a low babblement everywhere.
"This is delightful," said Kate.

"I will come here as often as you like, and you shall read to me." "What shall I read?
Would you like one of Sir Walter's novels ?" "Just the thing." Alec started at full speed for the house.
"Stop," cried Kate.

"You are not going to leave me alone beside this--talking water ?" "I thought you liked the water," said Alec.
"Yes.

But I don't want to be left alone beside it.

I will go with you, and get some work." She turned away from the stream with a strange backward look, and they walked home.
But as Kate showed some disinclination to return to the river-side, Alec put a seat for her near the house, in the shadow of a silver birch, and threw himself on the grass at her feet.