"That is going a long way off."
"But it isn't wisdom to throw Marian in temptation's way when it can only bring about trouble."
"If Marian really fell in love that would solve the difficulty. Youth ought to mate with youth. Then both have the springtime of love. Did not you find it sweet? Answer truly."
He smiled, and was silent a moment. Then he bent over and kissed her.
"The summer has a richness as well. A cold, untoward spring never makes a fruitful summer."
Then Mrs. Mason turned away to household cares. Charles was walking under the larches with his arm about Annis' waist. He was suddenly shooting up—a Mason trick—and was taller than the little girl and very devoted to her. Varina was upstairs trying on three different newly ironed white frocks. Patricia had gone to visit Aunt Catharine.
"Chloe, have you made preparations for a host at supper, and a hungry host again about nine o'clock? I should call it a party."
"Supper's all right. Dere's biskit 'nuff for a regimen'. And cake by de bushel. Chloe see company afore in dis ole house. De ham pink as a rose and de col' chicken 'nuff to make yer mouf water. An' cream an' jells an' fruit. De young folks no need to go to bed hungry."
"Jest take a peep at de table."