keeps assuring time: "I am going directly."

She was effectually roused at last by the sound of a clear, strong
voice whistling a charming melody. She sat quite still. A conviction
that it was Tris Penrose came into her heart. She wondered if he would
notice--know--speak to her. Tris saw her figure as quickly as it came
within his vision, and as quickly as he saw it he knew who was
present. He ceased whistling and cried out cheerily:

"Denas? What, Denas?"

She stood up then and held out her hands to him. And she was startled
beyond measure by the Tris that met her gaze. Naturally a very
handsome man, his beauty was made most attractive by a sailor suit of
blue broadcloth. His throat was open to the sea breeze, a blue
kerchief tied around it in a sailor's knot. And then her eyes wandered
to his sun-browned face, close-curling black hair, and the little
blue, gold-trimmed cap set upon the curls. The whole filled her with a
pleasant wonder. She made a little time over his splendour, and asked
if he was going to the pilchard fishing in such finery. And he took
all her hurried, laughing, fluttering remarks with the greatest
good-humour. He said, indeed, that he had been told she was home
again, and that he wore the dress because he was coming to see her.

Then they sat down, and she told Tris what she desired to do for her
father, and Tris entered into the project as enthusiastically as if he
was a child. Never before had Tris felt so heart-satisfied. It was
such a joy to have Denas beside him; such a joy to know that she was
free again; such a joy to share a secret with her. And gradually the
effusiveness of their first meeting toned itself down to quiet,
restful confidence, and then they rose together and began to walk
slowly toward the cottage. For of course Joan was to be consulted, and
besides, Tris had a present for her in his pocket.

The westering sun sent level rays of sunshine before them, and they
tried involuntarily to step in it as they used to do when they were
children. Tris could not help a smile as they did so, and then one of
those closely personal conversations began whose initial point is
always: "And do you remember?" Tris remembered everything, and
especially one Saturday when they ran away together to a little fairy
cove and made boats all day long. Yes, every movement of that happy
day was in Tris' heart, and he told Denas that the same pebbly shore
was still there, and that often he fancied he