In point of fact it was what used to be called a "double robe" of lavender cashmere; and it was trimmed with braid of the same colour, but the braid was a shade darker than the rest, and its criss-cross pattern as unlovely in its way as the voluminous skirts it was intended to adorn. But the fabric was soft and fine, and the delicate tint happened to suit Nan Merridew, who had a singularly clear and pale skin, and dark gold ringlets almost the colour of her eyes. For she was of the type dear to the pre-Raphaelites, with rather more flesh and blood, and a much more conspicuous spirit of her own, perhaps a little too conspicuous when Nan reappeared in the sunlight, with quite another light in her eyes, on the fourth day after the wreck. It was near the close of a radiant afternoon, and Mr. Merridew was absent for the day; but Captain Devenish had been seen strolling toward the cliffs, and Nan thought that she would stroll after him in spite of the direction. No one must think of accompanying her; she would so enjoy finding the way for herself. To this Mrs. Kitto pretended to make no objection, but expressed a belief that Mr. Dent was with Captain Devenish, thinking she had named the last deterrent. On the contrary, it only decided Nan to go quickly; and go she did with that peculiar light stronger than ever in her eyes. Now the way led through a belt of young pines, by which the station was almost surrounded, and in the middle of them Nan met a man in moleskins and a red shirt. Him she was approaching with downcast eyes, as one who must regard her curiously, when his voice thrilled her at close quarters. "Nan! And you'd have passed me without a word!" Denis was standing in her path, a common wide-awake drooping from one hand, the other reaching out for hers. "I didn't recognize you," she said, scarcely touching his hand. "And I was looking for Captain Devenish--can you tell me where he is?" "He has gone down to bathe," replied Denis with some reluctance. To bathe where a ship's company had been drowned that week! No wonder Nan winced. "Can't you spare me a few minutes instead?" he added as she was about to turn. "Oh, yes, if you wish it." "Of course I wish it!" exclaimed Denis. His shoulders looked very square under the coarse red flannel; but they were heaving, too. Nan was her own mistress on the spot. "I couldn't know," said she. "You see, you never sent me any message--not one word." "I shall tell you why." "And then I understood you were going to the diggings." "So I am," said Denis. His voice was preternaturally deep and vibrant. She looked up at him with the odd light in her eyes. "And why haven't you gone yet?" "I wanted to see you first." "That was very kind." "To tell you why I was going at all--to tell you everything, Nan, if you will let me--if you aren't determined to misunderstand me before I open my mouth!"