indeed, might naturally be expected in a wilderness far removed from
marts of trade; but her clothing was of excellent texture, and became
her well in spite of its recent exposure, while a bit of rather
expensive lace at the throat and a flutter of gay ribbons about the
wrists told plainly that she did not disdain the usual adornments of
her sex. And this was quickly shown in another way. She had not yet
completed her frugal meal when her mind reverted to her personal
appearance, and she paused, with heightened color, to draw back her
loosened hair and fasten it in place with a knot of scarlet cord. It
was surely a winsome face that smiled up at me then.

"I feel almost guilty of robbery," she said, "in taking all this food,
which was no doubt intended for your own supper."

"Merely what chanced to be left of it," I answered heartily. "Had I so
much as dreamed this stretch of sand was to yield me such
companionship, I should have stinted myself more."

An expression of bewildered surprise crept into her eyes as I spoke.

"Surely you are not a mere _coureur de bois_, as I supposed from your
dress," she exclaimed. "Your expression is that of an educated
gentleman."

I smiled; for I was young enough to feel the force of her unconscious
flattery.

"I believe I can prove descent from an old and honorable race," I said;
"but it has been my fortune to be reared in the backwoods, and whatever
education has come to me I owe to the love and skill of my mother."