“You see,” he said, “Cyril Johnstone is all very well in his way, but an unecclesiastical eye might be able to suggest more.” “I feel quite sure,” said Muriel firmly, “that my eyes will be able to suggest nothing.” “They must have changed then a good deal in the last few minutes,” said Jack coolly; “they have always suggested plenty to me.” Muriel looked up desperately, and saw Dr. Grant on the bank. “Row to the shore, please, Jack,” she said, “there is room for the doctor.” Jack set his lips together firmly. He had no intention of rowing to the shore for any such purpose. “Sorry,” he said; “I’m afraid it’s impossible.” “I must insist,” she replied coldly. “Please don’t, for I hate to disobey your wishes,” he pleaded. “You overlook the alternative,” cried Muriel. “Muriel,” he said, “you don’t really mean it—I know you don’t wish it!” He knew this would have been fatal with another woman, but he counted on her sincerity. She looked from him to the shore, and back again to the softly shaded water. “I must ask you to do it just the same,” she said finally. He turned the boat into mid-stream, and they floated awhile in silence. “It is the first time I have ever refused to do what you wanted,” he said at last, drawing a deep breath. “It is the last time I shall ever give you an opportunity,” said Muriel coldly. But if she had hoped to prevent further words her hope was in vain. “You told me once that you cared for me, Muriel, but that I wasn’t worth marrying. I have tried to make myself a bit more so, and now you are not going to tell me, are you, that you have changed your mind?” She faced him steadily. “I can’t marry you,” she said. “Please don’t ask me questions, Jack.” “But I must,” he said frowning. “Why can’t you marry me?” She was silent. “You don’t love me?” “Perhaps I never did.” “Nonsense, dear, you’re not that sort. Tell me the truth—you do love me?” Muriel turned in exasperation. “Oh, yes, then, if you _will_ have it. I _do_ love you, but I’m not now or at any other time ever going to marry you!” They had forgotten the other boat and the river. A burst of merry laughter awoke them to the fact that they had drifted on a snag, and that the rest of the party had been watching them for the last few minutes from the opposite bank.