The crowd was still lingering; and half a dozen hands were extended to draw the boat up to the landing.

He lifted the light form in his arms and bore it from the boat; but before he could proceed farther with his armful of beauty, a faint but imperious voice spoke: "Please put me down.

I am not a baby, and can walk myself." Ormiston was so surprised, or rather dismayed, by this unexpected address, that he complied at once, and placed her on her own pretty feet.

But the young lady's sense of propriety was a good deal stronger than her physical powers; and she swayed and tottered, and had to cling to her unknown friend for support.
"You are scarcely strong enough, I am afraid, dear lady," he said, kindly.

"You had better let me carry you.