ong back stroke, a turn of the
wrist, flip, and she lay floating quietly beside the rock.

"Splendid!" cried Kate.

"Well done, by Jove!" exclaimed the lieutenant, who was himself an
expert with the paddle.

"I suppose you have no idea how fine you look," cried Kate.

"And I am quite sure," answered Harry, "you have no suspicion of what
a beautiful picture you all make." And a beautiful picture it was: the
great rocky cliff in the background, tricked out in its new spring green
of moss and shrub and tree; the grassy plot at its foot where a little
stream gurgled out from the rock; the blazing camp-fire with the little
group about it; and in front the sunlit river. How happy they all were!
And how ready to please and to be pleased. Even little Mr. Sims had his
charm. And at the making of the tea, which Kate had taken in charge with
Ranald superintending, what fun there was with burning of fingers
and upsetting of kettles! And then, the talk and the laughter at the
lieutenant's brilliant jokes, and the chaffing of the "lumbermen" over
their voracious appetites! It was an hour of never-to-be-forgotten
pleasure. They were all children again, and with children's hearts were
happy in childhood's simple joys. And why not? There are no joys purer
than those of the open air; of grass and trees flooded with the warm
light and sweet scents of the soft springtime. Too soon it all came
to an end, and then they set off to convoy the stately old lady to her
carriage at the top of the cliff. Far in front went Kate, disdaining
the assistance of Harry and Mr. Sims, who escorted her. Near at hand
the lieutenant was in attendance upon Maimie, who seemed to need his
constant assistance; for the way was rough, and there were so many
jutting points of rock for wonderful views, and often the very prettiest
plants were just out of reach. Last of all came Madame De Lacy, climbing
the steep path with difficulty and holding fast to Ranald's arm. With
charming grace she discoursed of the brave days of old in which her
ancestors had played a worthy part. An interesting tale it was, but in
spite of all her charm of speech, and grace of manner, Ranald could not
keep his mind from following his heart and eyes that noted every step
and move of the beautiful girl, flitting in and out among the trees
before them. And well it was that his eyes were following so close; for,
as she was reaching for a dainty spray of golden birch, holding by the
lieutenan