Harding watched them, a quiet smile on his strong, kindly, and rugged face. He was humming the air of an old love song.
"Smith," he said after an interval of silence, "there are only two things in this life really worth having."
"What are they?"
"Youth and health."
"How about love?" I asked.
"Youth and health own love," he replied. "Love is their obedient servant. I thank God that I have not lost my youth or my health."
I was privileged to see this remarkable man for a moment in a new light, one which increased my respect and admiration for him.
When we returned to the club house the veranda was buzzing with gossip. Miss Dangerfield was delighted when she found that I was not acquainted with the cause of the excitement. It gave her a chance to impart the news to one ready to listen, and she was not slow in taking advantage of it.
"Miss Lawrence has refused Mr. LaHume!" she whispered, though she might as well have screamed it through a megaphone, since I was the only one on the veranda in ignorance of it.
"How do you know?" I asked.