erally wear it; but I was thinking how strange your life
was, Verty."

And she looked kindly and softly with her frank eyes at the young man,
who was playing with the beads of the necklace.

"Yes," he replied, "and that is just why I ought to be thankful. If I
was somebody's son, you know, everybody would know me--but I aint, and
yet, everybody is kind. I often try to be thankful, and I believe I
am," he added; "but then I'm often sinful. The other day, I believe I
would have shot Mr. Jinks--that was very wrong; yes, I know that was
very wrong."

And Verty shook his head sadly.

"Then I am angry sometimes," he said, "though not often."

"Not very often, I know," said Redbud, softly; "you are very sweet
tempered and amiable."

"Do you think so, Redbud?"

"Yes, indeed," smiled Redbud.

"I'm glad you think so; I thought I was not enough; but I have been
talking about myself too much, which, Miss Lavinia says, is wrong.
But, indeed, Redbud, I'll try and be good in future--look! there is
Fanny quarreling with Ralph!"

They rose, and approached the parties indicated, who were, however,
not more quarrelsome than usual: Fanny was only struggling with Ralph
for the string of the kite. The contention ended in mutual laughter;
and as a horn at that moment sounded for the servants to stop work for
dinner, the party determined to return to Apple Orchard.

The kite was tied to a root, and they returned homeward.

CHAPTER XLVII.

DAYS THAT ARE NO MORE.

"Oh!" cried Fanny, as they were again walking upon the smooth meadow,
in the afternoon, "I think we ought to go and get some apples!"

"And so do I," said Ralph.

"Of course, I expected you to agree with me, sir."

"Naturally; I always do."

This observation was remotely satirical, and Miss Fanny resented it.

"You are the most contentious person I ever knew," she said.

"Am I?" asked Ralph.

"Yes, sir."

"That is fortunate."

"Why?"

"Because, difference of opinion is the soul of conversation, and as
you never disagree with anybody, we could not converse. Observe how
the syllogism comes out?"

"Fine logician!"

"Lovely damsel!"

"Mr. College-Graduate!"

"Miss School-Girl!"

"School-girl!"

"College-graduate!"

And after this exchange of compliments, the parties walked on,
mutually pleased with each other.

Redbud and Verty followed them, and they soon arrived at the old
orchard.

Behind the party followed Longears, whose presence,