A curve of the island hid the boat suddenly, and she stood watching for it to appear again; but the minutes passed on and it did not come. Then suddenly she heard a peal of laughter and the clatter of voices, and she knew that the boat had pulled into the island. With a vague hope and dread commingled she sank to the seat again, and sat striving to still the wild beating of her heart. Presently she heard her name called. It was Lady Bell's voice, and how changed; there was no false ring in it now; clear and joyous it rang out: "Una! Una! Where are you?" There was no escape. She knew she must go, but she waited for full three minutes. Then, nerved to an unnatural calm, she rose and moved slowly forward. They were all seated again; she could see them. Dalrymple and Sir Arkroyd were stretched at full length, smoking; the ladies, in their dainty sateens and pompadours, were grouped near them, and a little apart sat Lady Bell, a cup in one hand and a knife in the other, her face turned toward someone eating. Though his back was toward her, Una recognized him. It was Jack Newcombe. He had turned down his sleeves and put on his white flannel jacket, and was eating and chatting at one and the same time. "Yes, better late than never," she heard him say, and with every word of his deep, musical voice her heart leaped as if in glad response. "I found I could get away, and I jumped in the train, to learn at Richmond that you had just started. I got an outrigger, and here I am." "Just in time to help wash up," said Dalrymple. "We've eaten all the strawberries, old man, and there isn't much cream. It's lucky for you there is any pie." "Don't pay any attention to them, Mr. Newcombe," said Lady Bell, and how soft and sweet her voice sounded, with its undertone of tenderness. "I am so sorry you are late. Do not let them hurry you. You must be so tired. Let me give you some ham--some tongue, then?" And she herself cut a slice and put it on his plate. "Don't let me stop the fun," said Jack, in his grave way. "Go on with your games. What was it--kiss-in-the-ring?" There was a laugh; the lightest joke will serve at a picnic. "I was haunted by the dread that I should come just in time to find everything cleared up. What a beautiful day! No, no more, thanks." "Let me give you some champagne," said Lady Bell, and reached forward with the goblet in her hand. Jack took it, and nodded over it in true picnic fashion. "Thanks," he said, and raised it to his lips. At that moment Lady Bell looked up, and, seeing Una standing still and motionless, beckoned her. Mechanically Una went round to her, and so stood in front of Jack. His eyes were fixed at the bottom of the cup at the moment, but presently he lifted them, and, with a sharp cry, he let the cup fall to the ground and sprang to his feet. And then he stood staring at her downcast face with startled eyes and pale countenance.