“Well, I’ve little more to say. I was not taken prisoner, though I startled the wild deer in all directions.”
“But the grand old hills themselves?”
“Nay, they are not planted. Green in summer and purple and crimson in autumn, there they are the same, and ever will remain.”
There was a pause. Then Kenneth spoke once again.
“Did you ever see Miss Gale since?”
“Only once,” replied Archie, “and Miss Redmond—Jessie—she has grown tall, and oh! Kenneth, so beautiful, but still so child-like and graceful.”
“I can easily believe that, boy. And did she—”
“Yes, dear lad,” said Archie. “She did ask all about you, so kindly. And I gave her your last letter to read. And—”
“And she read it, Archie? Tell me, did she read it?”
“Yes, she read it over and over again.”