"Why, you're wet, Mr Leslie," said the tall gentleman, shaking hands. "Only sea-water, sir. It's nothing." "But," said the former speaker, looking quickly from one to the other, and his handsome thoughtful face seemed troubled, "has there been anything wrong?" "Harry fell in," said Louise, speaking rather quickly and excitedly; "and, Mr Leslie--" "Ah!" ejaculated the tall gentleman excitedly. "It was nothing, sir," said Leslie hastily. "He swam in among the rocks--into a cave, and he was a long time gone, and I went after him; that's all." "But, my dear boy, you must make haste and change your things." "I shall not be hurt, Mr Vine." "And--and--look here. Make haste and come on then to us. There will be a meal ready. It's Harry's last day at home." "Oh, thank you, Mr Vine; I don't think I'll come to-night." "But you have been one of the party so far, and I should--Louie, my dear--" "We shall be very glad if you will come, Mr Leslie," said Louise, in response to her father's hesitating words and look, and there was a calm, ingenious invitation in her words that made the young man's heart throb. "I, too, shall be very glad," he said quietly. "That's right, that's right," said Mr Vine, laying one of his long thin white hands on the young man's arm: and then changing its position, so that he could take hold of one of the buttons on his breast. Then turning quickly: "Madelaine's coming, of course." "Louie says so," said the girl quietly. "To be sure; that's right, my dear; that's right," said the old man, beaming upon her as he took one of her hands to hold and pat it in his. "You'll come too, Van?" "I? No, no. I've some bills of lading to look over." "Yah!" ejaculated Uncle Luke with a snarl. "Yes; bills of lading, you idle old cynic. I can't spend my time fishing." "Pity you can't," said Uncle Luke. "Money, money, always money." "Hear him, Mr Leslie?" said Van Heldre smiling. "Are you disposed to follow his teachings?" "I'm afraid not," said Leslie. "Not he," snarled Uncle Luke. "But you will come, Van?" said Mr Vine. "My dear fellow, I wish you would not tempt me. There's work to do. Then there's my wife." "Bring Mrs Van Heldre too," said Louise, laying her hand on his. "Ah, you temptress," he cried merrily. "It's Harry's last evening," said Mr Vine. "Look here," said Van Heldre, "will you sing me my old favourite if I come, Louie?" "Yes; and you shall have a duet too." "Ah, never mind the duet," said Van Heldre laughingly; "I can always hear Maddy at home. There, out of pocket again by listening to temptation. I'll come." "Come and join us too, Luke," said Mr Vine. "No!" snapped the old fisher. "Do, uncle," said Louise. "Shan't," he snarled, stooping to pick up his heavy basket. "But it's Harry's last--" "Good job too," snarled the old man. "I'm going your way, Mr Luke Vine," said Leslie. "Let me carry the basket?"