o country was beautiful without them. Had she seen old
mills? No, she had not, but she had read of them and had found them
scattered throughout the pages of art. She acknowledged after a time
that the lakes were charming, the woods replete with sweet dreaming, the
lanes full of a vagabond fancy, tinkers of imagination sleeping under
the leaves; but without a ruined mill there could be no perfect rest for
the mind. Milford knew that this was a pretense, not from any
psychological reasoning, but because she was so unlike the Norwegian
girl. To him there was more of conviction in silent opposites than in
noisy arguments.

"I heard of you the other night over at the honey sociable," she said.

"Honey sociable?"

"Yes, honey and biscuit for the benefit of the church. Quite a unique
affair, and wholly new to me, I assure you. A Mrs. Blakemore was present
and spoke of you; she said it was a pity that you hadn't come to tell
stories of the West. A very intelligent woman, don't you think?"

"Yes, I guess she is."

"But the most intelligent woman over there," said the Professor, "is
Mrs. Goodwin."

"Over where?" his wife asked.

"Why, over at Mrs. Stuvic's."

"When did you meet her?"

"Why--er--let me see. I was passing, stepped in to get a drink of water,
and was presented to the lady by Mrs. Stuvic. I didn't stay long, mind
you, but long enough to discover the lady's intelligence. Mr. Milford,
it may take years to discover a comet, sir, but intelligence, brighter
in quality, shines out at once. Pass your cup."

"You didn't tell me you'd met her," said Mrs. Dolihide.

"Didn't I mention it? I thought I did. Speaking of this part of the
country, Mr. Milford, is like discussing a new picture with old spots on
it; but all great pictures were once new. Take the view, for instance,
from our veranda. Nothing could be more charming. The grass land, with
scattered trees, trim and graceful in their individuality, the cattle
beneath them, the woods beyond, and--"

"No, you didn't mention meeting her," said Mrs. Dolihide.

"But what difference does it make, mother?" the daughter spoke up. "By
this time you ought to know that he meets many intelligent persons that
we never see. Stuck here all the time," she added under her breath.

"Ah," said the Professor, "man may be walking pleasantly with prosperity
hooked upon his arm, talking of the deeds they are to perform in
common, when up gallops misfortune on a horse, and that is