"
She turned; he was glad to see her full face again. Her eyes were
fixed upon him, but she saw through him, and jealous of her
thought he drew her towards him.
"Let us go into the arbour," he said. "I have never been into the
arbour of clipped limes with you."
"Why do you want to go into the arbour?"
"I want to kiss you.... The gardener can see us now; a moment ago
he was behind the Jerusalem artichokes."
"I hadn't noticed the gardener; I hadn't thought about him."
She had persuaded herself before she went into the arbour, and
coming out of the arbour she said:--
"I don't think father will raise any objection."
"But you will speak to him. Hello! we're forgetting the fish, and
it was the fish that brought all this about. Was it to bring this
about that they lived or are to be eaten to-night at dinner?"
"Ned, you take a strange pleasure in making life seem wicked."
"I'm sorry I've been so unsuccessful, but will you ask you father
to invite me, Ellen? and I'll try and make life seem nice--and the
trout will try too."
Ellen did not know whether she liked or disliked Ned's levity, but
when she looked at him an overpowering emotion clouded her
comprehension and she walked in silence, thinking of when he would
kiss her again. At the end of the walk she stopped to bind up a
carnation that had fallen from its stake.
"Father will be wondering what has become of us."
"I think," said Ned, and his own cowardice amused him, "I think
you had better tell your father yourself.
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