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.'

'No, no. Do exactly what you like. Of course we must be back in an hour
or two.'

He drew out his watch.

'It's now ten minutes past six, and there is daylight till nine or
after. When do you wish to be home?'

'Not much later than nine,' Monica answered, with the insincerity of
prudence.

'Then we will just go quietly along. I wish we could have started early
in the afternoon. But that may be for another day, I hope.'

On her lap Monica had the little brown-paper parcel which contained her
present. She saw that Widdowson glanced at it from time to time, but
she could not bring herself to explain what it was.

'I was very much afraid that I should not see you to-day,' he said, as
they glided softly by Chelsea Embankment.

'But I promised to come if it was fine.'

'Yes. I feared something might prevent you. You are very kind to give
me your company.' He was looking at the tips of her little boots. 'I
can't say how I thank you.'

Much embarrassed, Monica could only gaze at one of the sculls, as it
rose and fell, the water dripping from it in bright beads.

'Last year,' he pursued, 'I went on the river two or three times, but
alone. This year I haven't been in a boat till to-day.'

'You prefer driving?'

'Oh, it's only chance. I do drive a good deal, however. I wish it were
possible to take you through the splendid country I saw a day or two
ago--down in Surrey. Perhaps some day you will let me. I live rather a
lonely life, as you see. I have a housekeeper; no relative lives with
me. My only relative in London is a sister-in-law, and we very seldom
meet.'

'But don't you employ yourself in any way?'

'I'm very idle. But that's partly because I have worked very hard and
hopelessly all my life--till a year and a half ago. I began to earn my
own living when I was fourteen, and now I am forty-four--to-day.'

'This is your birthday?' said Monica, with an odd look the other could
not understand.

'Yes--I only remembered it a few hours ago. Strange that such a treat
should have been