"I think he's delightful."

"So do I," assented Perigal, to add, as a qualifying afterthought,
"A bit tiring to live with."

"I'm sorry, but I can't speak from experience," retorted Mavis, who
disliked Perigal to criticise her friend.

They had now reached the spot where the punt was moored. It was a
frail craft; the bows seemed disposed to let in water.

"Is it goodbye?" asked Perigal.

"Of course," replied Mavis irresolutely.

"Then it isn't good-bye," smiled Perigal.

"Why?"

"Because you're going to do what I wish."

Mavis was sure that she was going to do nothing of the kind, but as
Perigal looked at her and smiled she became conscious of a weakening
in her resolution: it was as if he had fascinated her; as if, for
his present purpose, she were helpless in his hands. Consequently,
she said:

"To disappoint you, I'll come as far as the other side of the
river."