candour.

"And now that you have come what can we do? Are you going to take me on
the river? It looks rather dangerous."

"It is dangerous," Brandon said coolly, "but I think I can get you over
in safety if you will allow me to try. In any case, I won't let you
drown."

"I shall be furious if anything happens," she told him--"if you splash
me even. So beware!"

He pushed out from the bank with a laugh. It was evident that her threat
did not greatly impress him.

As for Doris, she was evidently enjoying the adventure, and the risks
that attended it only added to its charm. There was something about this
man that fascinated her, a freedom and a daring to which her own
reckless spirit could not fail to respond. He was the most interesting
plaything she had had for a long time. She had no fear that he would
ever make the mistake of taking her seriously.

They reached the opposite bank in safety, and he handed her ashore with
considerable _empressement_.

"I have a confession to make," he said, as they walked up to the house.

"Oh, I know what it is," she returned carelessly. "Mrs. Lockyard did not
expect me and has gone out."