“That is more mysterious than my little spring. Do come. It is only a step.”
“If it is really only a step.” And she went with him, as he answered:
He put aside the bushes, and ten feet away came where, from under a broad, mossy stone, a gush of water broke forth with a brisk air of liking it. She stood still, pleased with that she saw.
“The dear, sweet, little thing!” she cried.
“It seems glad to get out,” he said. “Perhaps it has some strange craving for sunshine; and think what a journey underground in the darkness, like a soul in prison.”
“Go on,” she said, still looking down, and considering the fine wholesomeness of its untainted life.
“How it got a little help here, and strength there, and climbed up from under the bases of the hills, and of a sudden found light and voice and purpose, and goes on its way, not minding obstacles. Pretty, isn’t it? It seems so eager.”
“Yes. I wonder will the sea answer its riddle.” It was a quite alarming little parable to this quick-witted young woman. “How it hurries! And it reminds me I too must be going. It says, ‘Come.’”
“Does it, indeed? But it does not say, ‘Go.’”
“You might give her a few moments. She will not be long. I shall have to ‘bide,’ as she says. I came to pay my milk-bill. Pray consider my melancholy prospect if I have to stay here by myself!”
“Certainly a sad trial,” she said, smiling; “but I really must go.” She began to move back again toward the pool.
“Does she know you meant to leave the grilse? It will spoil if it is not cleaned. Grilse spoil so easily.”
It was difficult for mendacity to go beyond this latter statement.
“I am sorry, but I can leave a note in the doorway. Yes, I have a card, by good luck. Have you a pencil?”
This time he achieved the lie direct, and said, “No! but it is near milking-time, and Hiram will be ‘p’inted’ this way of a certainty.”
“How late it is!” he replied, glancing at his watch. “I had not the least idea it was so late. They ought to be here now. It is half-past five.”
There was good judgment in this fib. If he made it early she would not think it worth while to wait, and if very late, she would be sure to go at once.
“Indeed! Only half-past five! I will rest a few minutes.”
“Better sit down,” he said. She took her place on a rock, while he cast himself down at her feet, dividing the ferns as he lay. She felt that she had been infirm of purpose. He gave her no time to analyze her weakness.