"But it's a real wilderness?" asked the boy, radiant.
"I should say so."
"Snakes, too?"
"I shouldn't wonder."
His heart beat hard. This was a wonderful place to come to for a visit. It was almost a pity one didn't live here.
"Are those apple-trees along the bottom of the terrace?"
"No, quince. And that one big tree in the middle of the lower plateau is a choke-pear."
"Isn't there a vine climbing up?"
"Yes. There are grapes down there in the autumn."
"How long do you think I can stay?"