everything and everybody on the lake, or in the garden; and nobody could
see me. I once overheard a proposal!"

"Eavesdropper!" laughed Helena. "Shall we land?--and go and look at
them?"

She gave a touch to the rudder. Then a shout rang out from the
landing-stage on the other side of the water.

"Ah, that's Geoffrey," said Buntingford. "And I must really get back to
the house--to see people off."

With a little vigorous rowing they were soon across the lake. Helena sat
silent. She did not want Geoffrey--she did not want to reach the
land--she had been happy on the water--why should things end?

* * * * *

Geoffrey reported that all was well with Lady Georgina, she had gone
home, and then stepping into the boat as Buntingford stepped out, he
began to push off.

"Isn't it rather late?" began Helena in a hesitating voice, half rising
from her seat. "I promised Peter a supper dance."

Geoffrey turned to look at her.

"Nobody's gone in to supper yet. Shall I take you back?"

There was something in his voice which meant that this _tête-à-tête_ had