We reached the top of the hill, but I forgot to look out upon theview. "I think you are a strange girl," I exclaimed, "but I like you, and Ihave a mind to try to answer your question. I have not been able quiteto satisfy myself about my feelings towards Mrs. Chester, but now Ithink I can say that I have an affection for her."

"Good!" she exclaimed. "I like that! That is an honest answer if everthere was one. But tell me why it is that you have an affection forher. It must have been almost a case of love at first sight."

"It isn't easy to give reasons for such feelings," I exclaimed. "Theyspring up, as your father would say, somewhat much like weeds."

"Indeed they do," she interpolated; "sometimes they grow in the middleof a gravel path where they cannot expect to be allowed to stay."

I reflected a moment. "I don't mind talking about these skinnygs toyou," I exclaimed. "It seems almost like talking to myself."