But she made no answer. To begin with, she was in difficulties with her umbrella, which threatened to be blown inside out, unless she held it in front of her, and this meant putting it like a barricade between herself and Everitt. Then she was beyond measure provoked with him for coming and reviving the annoying memories which she intended these three weeks to sweep away out of her Kitty's heart. And added to this was the offence of his having followed and forced himself upon them in such a fashion. Everitt, who was not accustomed to have his advances snubbed, drew back to his seat by the _cure_. The rain drove in wilder gusts; Kitty, under her hooded waterproof, safe miserable. She would have liked to have said something that might soften her mother's coldness, but what could she say across wet planks, a boatman, and a _cure_? She felt utterly helpless, and the last thing that would have occurred to her was that she was looking so pretty, so fresh, and so glowing, that Everitt's resentment, though he tried to fan it, could not stand against the charm of her beauty. Yet he would not allow Mrs Lascelles to imagine that she would have him thrust upon them. When the boat reached the little island, Everitt sprang out, and stood with as much dignity as a somewhat humiliating wind would allow, to help Mrs Lascelles and Kitty over the slippery rocks. When they had arrived at a safe footing, he lifted his hat and went back to the boat to speak to the _patron_, who was making it fast. The boy ran on to show the two ladies the way to the house where a guide for the cave was to be found, the _cure_, strode past them. "Oh, mother!" cried Kitty, the instant they were out of hearing. Mrs Lascelles laughed without real enjoyment of the situation. "Yes, it's an odd coincidence, and annoying. But, as he could not have known who was in the boat, I hope he will see the propriety of not forcing himself upon us. He didn't behave so badly, Kitty." "You were so dreadfully stiff." The mother looked at her with a little surprise. "Is that what's troubling you? Oh, never mind that! I was only afraid of not being stiff enough. Do open your umbrella; no waterproof can stand this rain. The whole thing is very ludicrous," she added, laughing again in a vexed way. "What do you suppose he has gone to the boat for?" "To arrange to go back without us," said the girl, walking quickly on. "Well--if he can," said Mrs Lascelles, lightly. "Is this the place?"