The still woods charmed them both. They drew off a thousand worries. The fishing was poor and the lake too cold for more than a quick swim, but there were the woods and the quiet and the long walks that were so peacefully reflective and talks about everything that mattered. Out in the midst of the forest it did not embarrass either of them to unload their deepest and most philosophic meditations. Yet it was not until the afternoon of the second day had waned that either of them mentioned Cecily. They were smoking on the little wharf which edged the lake watching the sun fall behind the hills.
“Cecily would like this,” said Matthew quietly.
“Um——” said Dick.
“By the way, I went to see her the other night. I wanted to tell you that I did.”
“She well?”
“Seems to be. Pretty lonely, I guess. I wish I could do something for you two.”
“That’s all right. We’ve closed that chapter, Mat.”
“I suggested to Cecily that she open a new one with me. She declined very promptly and fittingly. I was too excited for a moment to see straight.”
Dick, who had turned angrily at the first words, grinned suddenly.