Scarcely had they disappeared before a girl's light figure appeared at
an upstairs window. Doris's mischievous face peeped forth, wearing her
gayest, most impudent grimace.

There was no one else in sight, and with instant decision Brandon
stepped into full view, and without the faintest suggestion of
concealment began to stroll up the winding path.

She heard his footsteps on the gravel, and turned her eyes upon him with
a swift start of recognition.

He raised his hand in airy salute, and he heard her low murmur of
laughter as she waved him a hasty sign to await her in the shrubbery
from which he had just emerged.

* * * * *

"Did you actually come across the river?" said Doris. "Whatever made
you do that?"

"I said I should come and fetch you, you know, if you didn't turn up,"
he said.

She laughed.

"Do you always keep your word?"

"To you--always," he assured her.

Her merry face coloured a little, but she met his eyes with absolute