of trees on either side that they looked up with a start when the
light suddenly widened out and the trees came to an end.

"It almost reminds one of an English park," said Mr. Flushing.

Indeed no change could have been greater. On both banks of the river lay
an open lawn-like space, grass covered and planted, for the gentleness
and order of the place suggested human care, with graceful trees on the
top of little mounds. As far as they could gaze, this lawn rose and sank
with the undulating motion of an old English park. The change of scene
naturally suggested a change of position, grateful to most of them. They
rose and leant over the rail.

"It might be Arundel or Windsor," Mr. Flushing continued, "if you cut
down that bush with the yellow flowers; and, by Jove, look!"

Rows of brown backs paused for a moment and then leapt with a motion as
if they were springing over waves out of sight. For a moment no one of
them could believe that they had really seen live animals in the open--a
herd of wild deer, and the sight aroused a childlike excitement in them,
dissipating their gloom.

"I've never in my life seen anything bigger than a hare!" Hirst
exclaimed with genuine excitement. "What an ass I was not to bring my
Kodak!"

Soon afterwards the launch came gradually to a standstill, and the
captain explained to Mr. Flushing that it would be pleasant for the
passengers if they now went for a stroll on shore; if they chose to
return within an hour, he would take them on to the village; if they
chose to walk--it was only a mile or two farther on--he would meet them
at the landing-place.

The matter being settled, they were once more put on shore: the sailors,
producing raisins and tobacco, leant upon the rail and watched the
six English, whose coats and dresses looked so strange upon the green,
wander off. A joke that was by no means proper set them all laughing,
and then they turned round and lay at their ease upon the deck.

Directly they landed, Terence and Rachel drew together slightly in
advance of the others.

"Thank God!" Terence exclaimed, drawing a long breath. "At last we're
alone."

"And if we keep ahead we can talk," said Rachel.

Nevertheless, although their position some yards in advance of the
others made it possible for them to say anything they chose, they were
both silent.

"You love me?" Terence asked at length, breaking the silence painfully.
To speak or to be silent was equally an effort,