_One, two, three_--nine strokes. The sound of a clock striking came wafted
faintly across from the shore. Ann started up.
"I must get back!" she exclaimed. "I'd forgotten all about the time."
A brief smile crossed the man's dark face.
"So had I," he said. And there was something in the quality of his voice
which sent the colour flying up into her face.
"Why must you go back in such a hurry?" he resumed composedly. "One can
watch the fete very well here."
"I'm going to a dance--at the Gloria," said Ann. "Some one--they are coming
to fetch me, and if I'm not there--"
"'They' will be disappointed," he finished for her, a veiled irony in his
voice. "What time do your friends expect you?"
"At ten."
"And it is now only nine. If you care to watch the fete a little longer, I
can land you wherever you wish and you would still be in good time. I will
guarantee your safety," he added with a smile.
Ann hesitated. On the one hand she was thoroughly enjoying the water-fete
as viewed from the security of the Englishman's motor-boat, and the
unconventionality of the circumstances added a spice of adventure to the
situation. On the other, like every properly brought up young woman, she
was quite aware of what would be Mrs.
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