Barbara made a little gesture that was eloquent of appreciation. "It is very beautiful. A place one could dream one's life away in. We have nothing like it in Canada. You would care to stay here always?"
"Any place would be delightful with you."
The girl laughed softly, but her voice had a tender thrill in it, and then she turned towards the west.
"It is very beautiful—and full of rest," she said. "Still, I scarcely think it would suit you to sit down in idleness, and all that can be done for this rich country has been done years ago."
"I wonder," said Brooke, who guessed her thoughts, "if you would be quite so sure when you had seen our towns."
"Still, one would need to be very wise to take hold there—and I do not think you care for politics."
"No," said Brooke, with a faint, dry smile. "Besides, remembering Saxton, I should feel a becoming diffidence about wishing to serve my nation in that fashion. There are men enough who are anxious to do it already, and I would be happier grappling with the rocks and pines in Western Canada."
"Then," said Barbara, "if it pleases you, we will go back to the great unfinished land where the dreams of such men as you are come true."
THE END.