"I hardly think that would be possible," Kenwardine replied. "We might, however, fix upon one of the quieter cities near the Atlantic coast of America. I know two or three that are not too big and are rather old-fashioned, with something of the charm of the Colonial days, where I think you might find friends that would suit your fastidious taste." Clare tried to look content. Of late, she had longed for the peaceful, well-ordered life of the English country towns, but it seemed there was some reason they could not go home. "Any place would be better than Santa Brigida," she said. "But I must leave you to your letters. I am going out to buy some things." The sun was hot when she left the patio, but there was a strip of shade on one side of the street and she kept close to the wall, until turning a corner, she entered a blaze of light. The glare from the pavement and white houses was dazzling and she stopped awkwardly, just in time to avoid collision with a man. He stood still and she looked down as she saw that it was Dick and noted the satisfaction in his eyes. "I'm afraid I wasn't keeping a very good lookout," he said. "You seemed to be in a hurry," Clare rejoined, half hoping he would go on; but as he did not, she resumed: "However, you generally give one the impression of having something important to do." Dick laughed. "That's wrong just now, because I'm killing time. I've an hour to wait before the launch is ready to go to sea." "Then you are sailing somewhere along the coast," said Clare, who moved forward, and Dick taking her permission for granted, turned and walked by her side. "Yes. I left Jake at the mole, putting provisions on board." "It looks as if you would be away some time," Clare remarked carelessly. Dick thought she was not interested and felt relieved. It had been announced at the irrigation camp that he was going to Coronal to engage workmen, in order that the report might reach Kenwardine. He had now an opportunity of sending the latter misleading news, but he could not make use of Clare in this way. "I expect so, but can't tell yet when we will be back," he said. "Well," said Clare, "I shall feel that I am left alone. My father is going to Kingston and doesn't know when he will return. Then you and Mr. Fuller----" She stopped with a touch of embarrassment, wondering whether she had said too much, but Dick looked at her gravely. "Then you will miss us?" "Yes," she admitted with a blush. "I suppose I shall, in a sense. After all, I really know nobody in Santa Brigida; that is, nobody I like. Of course, we haven't seen either of you often, but then----" "You liked to feel we were within call if we were wanted? Well, I wish I could put off our trip, but I'm afraid it's impossible now." "That would be absurd," Clare answered, smiling, and they went on in silence for the next few minutes.