And now you must take all the pools on the way
home. I won't touch the rod again unless when wading is absolutely
necessary. You see. I have no right to this salmon at all; I consider
you have made me a present of him."
"We must try and get another somehow, between us, before getting back to
the lodge," said she; and this unconscious coupling of themselves as
companions sounded pleasant to his ears.
Moreover, as old Robert had now the fish to carry, Lionel, as usual,
made bold to claim Miss Honnor's waterproof, which he slung over his
arm; and that also was a privilege he greatly enjoyed. Indeed, his
satisfaction as they now proceeded to walk along to the Horseshoe Pool
was but natural in the circumstances. This charming companionship
secured all to himself--the capture of the salmon--the tribute that had
been paid to his skill--the magnetic waterproof hanging over his
arm--the prospect of a long ramble home on this beautiful afternoon: all
these things combined were surely sufficient to put any young man in an
excellent humor. And there was something more in store for him.
"Do you know," he was saying, as they walked along together, "that I
have grown quite used to the solitariness of this neighborhood? I don't
find it strange, or melancholy, or oppressive any longer.
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