DESSALINES' HOUR
that he was his instincts were swift and accurate and he felt that Virginia was not entirely pleased with this arrangement.
"The barge is quite able to carry us," he replied, "but our progress will not be rapid. There are two more canoes, if any of you prefer to go in that way, in which case those who are left can go in a cedar double-ender which is light and fast."
"Oh, that would be much more of a lark!" cried Miss O'Connor.
"I think I prefer the rowboat," said Lady Maltby; "when one is past forty canoes lose their glamour. Why not dispense with the Japanese altogether and let them take the hampers in another boat? I am sure the poor things must be quite exhausted; first they are 'rikishamen, then they are butlers, then they are boatmen, and then they are silvan stewards." She turned to the naturalist. "Are you ready to become athletic for a mile, Leyden, in my service?"
Leyden bowed. "I am ready to become anything in your service, Lady Maltby."
Sir Henry turned to Miss O'Connor. "Would you be willing to trust yourself with me in a canoe, Miss O'Connor?"
"And if I would not, Sir Henry," replied the Irish girl, "I wouldn't trust myself with you anywhere … oh, whatever am I saying!"
Virginia was seized with a sudden perverse impulse. It had seemed to her that Giles had been more attentive to Miss O'Connor than the occasion demanded; he was very good to look at, that day; clad in his cream-colored flannels he was the picture of a handsome, well-groomed in
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