"I have not seen Mr. Mason," she replied; "I found it out by catching an
accidental remark made by one of the boatmen. I desire very humbly to
apologise to you for my conduct."

"Oh, that doesn't matter at all, I assure you."

"What! My conduct doesn't?"

"No, I didn't mean quite that; but I----Of course, you did treat me
rather abruptly; but then, you know, I saw how it was. You looked on me
as an interloper, as it were, and I think you were quite justified, you
know, in speaking as you did. I am a very poor hand at conversing with
ladies, even at my best, and I am not at my best to-day. I had to get
up too early, so there is no doubt what I said was said very awkwardly
indeed. But it really doesn't matter, you know--that is, it doesn't
matter about anything you said."

"I think it matters very much--at least, it matters very much to me. I
shall always regret having treated you as I did, and I hope you will
forgive me for having done so."

"Oh, that's all right," said Mr. Trenton, swinging his camera over his
shoulder. "It is getting dark, Miss Sommerton; I think we should hurry
down to the canoe."

As they walked down the hill together, he continued--

"I wish you would let me give you a little lesson in photography, if you
don't mind."