"Lord knows. They've lots to talk about. Dale has reached a place where the Colonel finds him exciting."
"Isn't he a marvel!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, he's a marvel, all right," Brent grumbled. "But his vanity will surpass his great achievements;—don't delude yourself about that!"
"Well; you're an authority on that condition of life. Do you enjoy it?"
"If you'll give me more reason to be vain, I'll tell you."
She ignored this, and when they were among the cedars he began again; not caring what he talked about as much as to be talking. He felt that if he stopped, she might read through his depression.
"Do you remember the last time we were here? You lectured me for loafing, and shooting woodpeckers. There were other things, but you couldn't recall them at the moment. I've been doing some right stiff thinking since then!"
"Retrospection is good for the soul," she smiled at him.
"On the contrary, retrospection makes for hollow eyes, and introspection is tinged with bitterness. Keep your face to the future if you would have your soul contented."
"And what is your future?" she archly inquired.