"And yet you regard Paul as the very chief of the apostles."
"He became such after he was taught of Him who teaches through the hills and nature generally."
"My daughter is an enthusiast for nature," remarked Mr. Walton.
"If the people are the same as when I was here a boy, the hills have not taught the majority very much," said Gregory, with a French shrug.
"Many of them have a better wisdom than you think," answered Annie, quietly.
"In what does it consist?"
"Well, for one thing they know how to enjoy life and add to the enjoyment of others."
Gregory looked at her keenly for a moment, but saw nothing to lead him to think that she was speaking on other than general principles; but he said, a little moodily, as they rose from the table, "That certainly is a better wisdom than is usually attained in either city or country."
"It is not our custom to make company of our friends," said Mr. Walton, cordially. "We hope you will feel completely at home, and come and go as you like, and do just what you find agreeable. We dine at two, and have an early supper on account of the children. There are one or two fair saddle horses on the place, but if you do not feel strong enough to ride, Annie can drive you out, and I assure you she is at home in the management of a horse."
"Yes, indeed," echoed the little boy. "Aunt Annie can manage anything or anybody."