Sue's back was toward them, and she did not hear Minturn's step until he was close beside her. "All through," he said; "every tree out. I congratulate you; for rarely in this vale of tears are plans and hopes crowned with better success."
"Oh, yes," she hastened to reply; "I am more than satisfied. I hope that you are too."
"I have no reason to complain," he said. "You have stood by your morning's bargain, as I have tried to."
"It was your own fault, Mr. Minturn, that it was so one-sided. But I've no doubt you enjoy spicing your city life with a little lark in the country."
"It WAS a one-sided bargain, and I have had the best of it."
"Perhaps you have," she admitted. "I think supper will be ready by the time we are ready for it." And she turned toward the house. Then she added, "You must be weary and anxious to get away."
"You were right; my bones DO ache. And look at my hands. I know you'll say they need washing; but count the blisters."
"I also said, Mr. Minturn, that you would know better next time. So you see I was right then and am right now."
"Are you perfectly sure?"
"I see no reason to think otherwise." In turning, she had faced a young sugar-maple which he had aided her in planting early in the afternoon. Now she snipped at it nervously with her pruning-shears, for he would not budge, and she felt it scarcely polite to leave him.