ade have been without the intervention of speech.

And you, my Gradgrind friend, you think me sentimental. Two young fools
they were, walking so slowly though the night was sharp, dallying under
the trees, and dreaming of a heaven they could not have realized if all
their wishes had been granted. Of course they were fools! Either they
were fools to be so happy, or else some other people are fools not to
be. After all, dear Gradgrind, let them be. There's no harm in it.
They'll get trouble enough before morning. Let them enjoy the evening. I
am not sure but these lovers whom we write down fools are the only wise
people after all. Is it not wise to be happy? Let them alone.

For the first time in three years, for the first time since she had
crossed the threshold of "Old Jack Means" and come under the domination
of Mrs. Old Jack Means, Hannah talked cheerfully, almost gayly. It was
something to have a companion to talk to. It was something to be the
victor even in a spelling-match, and to be applauded even by Flat Creek.
And so, chatting earnestly about the most uninteresting themes, Ralph
courteously helped Hannah over the fence, and they took the usual
short-cut through the "blue-grass pasture." There came up a little
shower, hardly more than a sprinkle, but then It was so nice to have a
shower just as they reached the box-elder tree by the spring! It was so
thoughtful in Ralph to suggest that the shade of a box-elder is dense,
and that Hannah might take cold! And it was so easy for Hannah to yield
to the suggestion! Just as though she had not milked the cows in the
open lot in the worst storms of the last three years! And just as though
the house were not within a stone's-throw! Doubtless it was not prudent
to stop here. But let us deal gently with them. Who would not stay in an
earthy paradise ten minutes longer, even though it did make purgatory
the hotter afterward? And so Hannah stayed.

"Tell me your circumstances," said Ralph, at last. "I am sure I can help
you in something."

"No, no! you cannot," and Hannah's face was clouded. "No one can help
me. Only time and God. I must go, Mr. Hartsook." And they walked on to
the front gate in silence and in some constraint. But still in
happiness.

As they came to the gate, Dr. Small pushed past them in his cool,
deliberate way, and mounted his horse. Ralph bade Hannah good-night,
having entirely forgotten the errand which had been his excuse to
himself for coming out