'I have been a restless fellow,' he admitted, regarding her with
quiet scrutiny, 'but I dare say some profit has come of my
wanderings. However, it's time to set to work.'

'Work!' asked Paula in surprise. 'What sort of work?'

'Local preacher's.'

Paula moved her lips discontentedly.

'That is your way of telling me to mind my own business. Don't you
find the sun dreadfully hot, Annabel? Do please row into a shady
place, Mr. Egremont.'

His way of handling the oars showed that he was no stranger to
exercise of this kind. His frame, though a trifle meagre, was well
set. By degrees a preoccupation which had been manifest in him gave
way under the influence of the sky, and when it was time to approach
the landing-place he had fallen into a mood of cheerful talk--light
with Paula, with Annabel more earnest. His eyes often passed from
one to the other of the faces opposite him, with unmarked
observation; frequently he fixed his gaze on the remoter hills in
brief musing.

Mr. Newthorpe had come down to the water to meet them; he had a
newspaper in his hand.

'Your friend Dalmaine is eloquent on education,' he said, with a
humorous twitching of the eyebrows.