In spite of herself , Katherine could n't help listening to him , for he managed to invest seaweeds with an absorbing interest . She finally decided that as he did n't seem to mind her bare feet , she would n't either . He knew so much about seaweeds that Katherine felt decidedly amateurish beside him . He looked over her specimens and pointed out the valuable ones . He explained the best method of preserving and mounting them , and told her of other and less dangerous places along the shore where she might get some new varieties . When they came in sight of Harbour Hill , Katherine began to wonder what on earth she would do with him . It was n't exactly permissible to snub a man who had practically saved your life , but , on the other hand , the prospect of walking through the principal street of Harbour Hill barefooted and escorted by a scholarly looking gentleman discoursing on seaweeds was not to be calmly contemplated . The unknown cut the Gordian knot himself . He said that he must really go back or he would be late for dinner , lifted his hat politely , and departed . Katherine waited until he was out of sight , then sat down on the sand and put on her shoes and stockings . `` Who on earth can he be ? '' she said to herself . `` And where have I seen him before ? There was certainly something familiar about his appearance . He is very nice , but he must have thought me crazy . I wonder if he belongs to Harbour Hill . '' The mystery was solved when she got home and found a letter from Edith awaiting her . `` I see Ned quite often , '' wrote the latter , `` and I think he is perfectly splendid . You are a lucky girl , Kate . But oh , do you know that Sidney is actually at Harbour Hill , too , or at least quite near it ?
I had a letter XXXXX him yesterday .
about at before beside from of on that to until