"What are you going to do with Kate to-day, Alec?" said his mother.
"Whatever Kate likes," answered Alec.
"I have no choice," returned Kate. "I don't know yet what I have to
choose between. I am in your hands, Alec."
It was the first time she had called him by his name, and a spear of
sunshine seemed to quiver in his heart. He was restless as a hyena till
she was ready. He then led her to the banks of the river, here low and
grassy, with plenty of wild flowers, and a low babblement everywhere.
"This is delightful," said Kate. "I will come here as often as you
like, and you shall read to me."
"What shall I read? Would you like one of Sir Walter's novels?"
"Just the thing."
Alec started at full speed for the house.
"Stop," cried Kate. "You are not going to leave me alone beside
this--talking water?"
"I thought you liked the water," said Alec.
"Yes. But I don't want to be left alone beside it. I will go with you,
and get some work."
She turned away from the stream with a strange backward look, and they
walked home.
But as Kate showed some disinclination to return to the river-side,
Alec put a seat for her near the house, in the shadow of a silver
birch, and threw himself on the grass at her feet.
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