Chiming out above the notes of the wood-robin and the thrush there came the faint and distant notes of the quarter hour striking on the college library. It was Leslie who heard it. Howard was still too far upon the heights to think of earthly duties yet awhile.
"Howard! Isn't this your Class Day? And haven't you a part in the exercises? Why aren't you there?"
He turned with startled eyes, and rising color.
"I couldn't stay, Leslie. I was too miserable! I had to come after you. You promised to be with me to-day, you know----"
"But your Class Poem, Howard! Quick! It must be almost time to read it----!"
"Great Scott! I didn't know the time had gone like that!"
Leslie's fingers were already at work with the other canoe, tying its chain to the seat of her own.
"Now!" she turned and picked up her paddle swiftly, handing Howard the other one. "Go! For all your worth! You mustn't fail on this day anyway! Beat it with all your might!"
"It's too late!" said the man reluctantly, taking the paddle and moving to his right position.
"It's not too late. It _shan't_ be too late! _Paddle_, I say, _now_, ONE--and--TWO--and----!"
"It was so wonderful back there, Leslie," said Howard wistfully. "We oughtn't to let anything interfere with this first hour together."
"This isn't interfering," said Leslie practically, "it's just duty, and that never interferes. Here, we'll land over there and you beat it up the hill! I'll padlock the boats by that old tree and follow, but _don't you dare_ wait for me! I'll be there to hear the first word and they'll have waited for you, I know. A little to the right, there--_now_--step out and _beat it_!"
He obeyed her, and presently came panting to the audience room, with a fine color, and a great light in his eyes, just as Halsted was slipping down to inquire of Allison:
"Where in thunder is Letchworth? Seen him anywhere?"
"Heavens, man! Hasn't he showed up yet?" cried Allison startled. "Where could he be?"
Julia Cloud beside him leaned over and quietly drew their attention to the figure hastening up the aisle. Halsted hurried back to the platform, and Allison, relieved, settled once more in his seat. But Julia Cloud rested not in satisfaction until another figure breathlessly slipped in with eyes for none but the speaker.