So they drove down, through byways, among the lanes, toward the Wachaug Road.
Summer was in her perfect flush and fullness of splendor. The smell of new-mown hay was in the air.
As they came upon the river, they saw the workmen busy in and about the new mills. Mr. Rushleigh's buggy stood by the fence; and he was there, among his mechanics, with his straw hat and seersucker coat on, inspecting and giving orders.
"What a capital old fellow the governor is!" said Paul, in the fashion young men use, nowadays, to utter their affections.
"Do you know he means to set me up in these mills he is making such a hobby of, and give me half the profits?"
Faith had not known. She thought him very good.
"Yes; he would do anything, I believe, for me—or anybody I cared for."
Faith was silent; and the strange fear came up in heart and throat.
"I like Kinnicutt, thoroughly."
"Yes," said Faith. "It is very beautiful here."