And for that matter Indiana, too, and all the
other forest States right out to the prairies. Where would we be
now, if we HADN'T done that?" he pointed across at the stump-covered
hills.
Mischief had driven out the gravity from the girl's eyes. She had
lowered her head slightly sidewise as though to conceal their
expression from him.
"I was beginning to be afraid you'd say 'yes-indeed,'" said she.
Orde looked bewildered, then remembered the Incubus, and laughed.
"I haven't been very conversational," he acknowledged.
"Certainly NOT!" she said severely. "That would have been very
disappointing. There has been nothing to say." She turned and
waved her hat at the beech woods falling sombre against the lowering
sun.
"Good-bye," she said gravely, "and pleasant dreams to you. I hope
those very saucy little birds won't keep you awake." She looked up
at Orde. "He was rather nice to us this afternoon," she explained,
"and it's always well to be polite to them anyway." She gazed
steadily at Orde for signs of amusement. He resolutely held his
face sympathetic.
"Now I think we'll go home," said she.
They made their way between the stumps to the edge of the sand-hill
overlooking the village.
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