"
They both started. Mrs. Levice was, without doubt, awake. They had
drifted into a cove, and she was cowering from the over-hanging boughs.
"I do not care to be Absalomed; where were your eyes, Ruth?" she
complained, as Kemp pushed out with a happy, apologetic laugh. "Did not
you see where we were going?"
"No," she answered a little breathlessly; "I believe I am growing
far-sighted."
"It must be time to sight home now," said her mother; "I am quite chilly."
In five minutes Kemp had grounded the boat and helped Mrs. Levice out.
When he turned for Ruth, she had already sprung ashore and had started up
the slope; for the first time the oars lay forgotten in the bottom of the
boat.
"Wait for us, Ruth," called Mrs. Levice, and the slight white figure stood
still till they came up.
"You are so slow," she said with a reckless little laugh; "I feel as if I
could fly home."
"Are you light-headed, Ruth?" asked her mother, but the girl had fallen
behind them. She could not yet meet his eyes again.
"Come, Ruth, either stay with us or just ahead of us." Mrs. Levice, awake,
was an exemplary duenna.
"There is nothing abroad here but the stars," she answered, flitting before
them.
"And they are stanch, silent friends on such a night," remarked Kemp,
softly.
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