“It is, indeed,” admitted Lyddy, faintly.
“You have a beautiful view of the valley here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I am told below,” said the man, with a free gesture taking in Bridleburg and several square miles of surrounding country, “that you take boarders here at Hillcrest?”
“Yes, sir,” said Lyddy again.
“Good! Your rooms are not yet all engaged, my dear young lady?” said the man, who seemed unable to discuss the simplest subject without using what later she learned to call “his platform manner.”
“Oh, no; we haven’t many guests as yet.”
“Good!” he exclaimed again. Then, after a moment’s pursing of his lips, he added: “This is not strictly speaking a legal day for making bargains. But we may talk of an arrangement; mayn’t we?”
“I do not understand you, sir,” said Lyddy.
“Ah! No! I am referring to the possibility of my taking board with you, Miss Bray.”