Maitland experienced an instantaneous sensation as of furtive guilt, decidedly the reverse of comfortable. He shuffled uneasily. There was a brief silence, on her part expectant, on his, blank. His mental attitude remained hopeless: for some mysterious reason his nonchalance had deserted him in the hour of his supremest need; not in all his experience did he remember anything like this--as awkward. The river purled indifferently about his calves; a vagrant breeze disturbed the tree-tops and died of sheer lassitude; Time plodded on with measured stride. Then, abruptly, full-winged inspiration was born out of the chaos of his mind. Listening intently, he glanced with covert suspicion at the bridge: it proved untenanted, inoffensive of mien; nor arose there any sound of hoof or wheel upon the highway. Again he looked up at the girl; and found her in thoughtful mood, frowning, regarding him steadily beneath level brows. He assumed a disarming levity of demeanor, smiling winningly. "There's only one way," he suggested--not too archly--and extended his arms. "Indeed?" She considered him with pardonable dubiety. Instantly his purpose became as adamant. "I must carry you. It's the only way." "Oh, indeed no! I--couldn't impose upon you. I'm--very heavy, you know--" "Never mind," firmly insistent. "You can't stay here all night, of course." "But are you sure?" (She was yielding!) "I don't like to--" He shook his head, careful to restrain the twitching corners of his lips. "It will take but a moment," he urged gravely. "And I'll be quite careful." "Well--" She perceived that, if not right, he was stubborn; and with a final small gesture of deprecation, weakly surrendered. "I'm sorry to be such a nuisance," she murmured, rising and gathering skirts about her. Maitland stoutly denied the hideous insinuation: "I am only too glad--" She balanced herself lightly upon the step. He moved nearer and assured himself of a firm foothold on the pebbly river-bed. She sank gracefully into his arms, proving a considerable burden--weightier, in fact, than he had anticipated. He was somewhat staggered; it seemed that he embraced countless yards of ruffles and things ballasted with (at a shrewd guess) lead. He swayed. Then, recovering his equilibrium, incautiously glanced into her eyes. And lost it again, completely. "I was mistaken," he told himself; "daylight will but enhance...." She held herself considerately still, perhaps wondering why he made no move. Perhaps otherwise; there is reason to believe that she may have suspected--being a woman. At length, "Is there anything I can do," she inquired meekly, "to make it easier for you?" "I'm afraid," he replied, attitude apologetic, "that I must ask you to put your arm around my ne--my shoulders. It would be more natural." "Oh."