"We miss Alan, don't we?" remarked Maud, after one of the awkward silences which seemed inevitable that morning.
The other girls agreed, but Herbert said nothing, as he did not quite see what difference a "kid" like Alan could make.
Suddenly Maud clapped her hands. "I know," she cried; "we'll all go on the loch; it'll be just lovely." She had caught sight of the water shining silvery blue through the trees, and certainly it did look inviting. "Come on," cried Maud excitedly; "you'll take us, won't you, Marj?"
Marjory reddened. "I'm sorry I can't. I promised uncle that I wouldn't go on the loch to-day."
"What rubbish! Why, it's as calm as a mill pond."
"Not quite; there's a bit of a wind; besides, uncle said I wasn't to."
"We needn't sail; we could row," suggested Herbert.
"Oh, rowing's no fun; besides, it's such hard work.--I'll make it all right with the doctor, Marj. You see, he didn't know Herbert would be here."
Herbert looked decidedly uncomfortable and as if he wished he were not there. The truth was that he did not feel by any means at home in a sailing-boat, and would have very much preferred to row, or, better still, not to go on the water at all. However, if Maud wished it, there was no more to be said. The Foresters had a rowing-boat which would quite well have accommodated the party, but Maud had made up her mind for a sail, and a sail she would have, or nothing.
Blanche felt very much divided between her duty to her guest and to her friend. She was half ashamed that Maud should suggest taking possession of Dr. Hunter's boat against his orders, and was inclined to wish that, if Maud insisted upon going, Marjory would give in and go too.
"Come, Marjory," coaxed Maud, "don't be silly. It'll be all right, I promise you."
"It's no use; I won't come," replied Marjory stoutly.
"Well, I call it very selfish of you," said Maud, her temper rising. "And I'm sure the doctor never meant that you were not to go at all, only that you were not to go alone; and I'm also quite sure that if he were here he would let us have the boat this minute."
"Yes, if he were here and could go with you himself," retorted Marjory.
"Oh, very well, if you won't take us, Herbert will.--Won't you?" And Maud turned appealingly to him.