"I confess I am defeated, for there is no like sapling on this
side; but I have the moss, and can join you at the bridge below,
if nothing better offers."
"George," said Elsie, indignantly, "don't go away and leave Mr.
Stanhope's handkerchief in that tree."
"Bless you, child," cried George, mischievously, and leading the
way down the path, "I can't climb anymore than a pumpkin. You will
have to go back with him after it, or let it wave as a memento of
his gallantry on your behalf."
"If I can only manage to throw them together without any
embarrassing third parties present, the ridiculous restraint they
are under will soon vanish," he thought; and so he hastened his
steps. The rest trooped after him, while Stanhope made his way
with difficulty on the opposite bank, where there was no path. His
progress therefore was slow; and Elsie saw that if she did not
linger he would be left behind. Common politeness forbade this,
and so she soon found herself alone, carrying his overcoat on one
bank, and he keeping pace with her on the other.
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