eferred to remain on the
water--there was too much malice prepense in the temple. He asked her
what she meant by that, and she said it was ridiculous to withdraw to an
island a few feet square on purpose to meditate. She had nothing to
meditate about that required so much scenery and attitude.

"On the contrary, it would be just to change the scene and the _pose_.
It's what we have been doing for a week that's attitude; and to be for
half an hour where nobody's looking and one hasn't to keep it up is just
what I wanted to put in an idle irresponsible day for. I'm not keeping
it up now--I suppose you've noticed," Nick went on as they floated and
he scarcely dipped the oars.

"I don't understand you"--and Julia leaned back in the boat.

He gave no further explanation than to ask in a minute: "Have you people
to dinner to-night?"

"I believe there are three or four, but I'll put them off if you like."

"Must you _always_ live in public, Julia?" he continued.

She looked at him a moment and he could see how she coloured. "We'll go
home--I'll put them off."

"Ah no, don't go home; it's too jolly here. Let them come, let them
come, poor wretches!"

"How little you know me," Julia presently broke out, "when, ever so
many times, I've lived here for months without a creature!"

"Except Mrs. Gresham, I suppose."

"I have had to have the house going, I admit."

"You're perfect, you're admirable, and I don't criticise you."

"I don't understand you!" she tossed back.

"That only adds to the generosity of what you've done for me," Nick
returned, beginning to pull faster. He bent over the oars and sent the
boat forward, keeping this up for a succession of minutes during which
they both remained silent. His companion, in her place, motionless,
reclining--the seat in the stern was most comfortable--looked only at
the water, the sky, the trees. At last he headed for the little temple,
saying first, however, "Shan't we visit the ruin?"

"If you like. I don't mind seeing how they keep it."

They reached the white steps leading up to it. He held the boat and his
companion got out; then, when he had made it fast, they mounted together
to the open door. "They keep the place very well," Nick said, looking
round. "It's a capital place to give up everything in."

"It might do at least for you to explain what you mean." And Julia sat
down.

"I mean to pretend for half an hour that I don't represent the burgesses
of Harsh. It