"Indeed, I don't know. For as good a reason, I suppose, as that some girls are called witches."
She gave him a quick, keen look, and said, "I hope you mean nothing personal."
"I should never charge you with being a witch, Miss Marsden, but
I might with witchery."
"A distinction without a difference," she said, seeking to lead him on.
"He means," explained De Forrest, "that you might be bewitching if you chose."
"Hush, Julian, you leave no room for the imagination," said Lottie, frowningly.
"Look at that farm-yard, Miss Marsden," said Hemstead. "The occupants seem as glad that the storm is over as we are. What pictures of placid content those ruminating cows are under that sunny shed. See the pranks of that colt which the boy is trying to lead to water. I wish I were on his back, with the prairie before me."
"Indeed, are you so anxious to escape present company?"
"Now I didn't say that. But we have passed by, and I fear you did not see the pretty rural picture to which I called your attention. Were I an artist I would know where to make a sketch to-day."
"I think you will find that Miss Marsden's taste differs very widely from yours," said De Forrest; "that is, if you give us to understand that you would seek your themes in a barn-yard, and set your easel upon a muck-heap. Though your pictures might not rank high they would still be very rank."