The proposal was so unexpected that Monica looked up with a startled
air. She had not thought of the man as likely to offer any kind of
amusement.

'It would be pleasant, I think,' he added. 'The tide is still
running up. We might go very quietly for a mile or two, and be back
as soon as you like.'

'Yes, I should like it.'

He brightened up, and moved with a livelier step. In a few minutes
they had chosen their boat, had pushed off, and were gliding to the
middle of the broad water. Widdowson managed the sculls without
awkwardness, but by no means like a man well trained in this form of
exercise. On sitting down, he had taken off his hat, stowed it away,
and put on a little travelling-cap, which he drew from his pocket.
Monica thought this became him. After all, he was not a companion to
be ashamed of. She looked with pleasure at his white hairy hands
with their firm grip; then at his boots--very good boots indeed.
He had gold links in his white shirt-cuffs, and a gold watch-guard
chosen with a gentleman's taste.

'I am at your service,' he said, with an approach to gaiety. 'Direct
me. Shall we go quickly--some distance, or only just a little
quicker than the tide would float us?'

'Which you like. To row much would make you too hot.'

'You would like to go some distance--I see.'