"It is fortunate that we stopped, even though there are no women folks," Mrs. Forest replied.
Eva turned to John. "This room has somewhat the appearance of a school," she said.
"It is a school to me," John answered.
"You are anxious to learn, I suppose."
"Yes, so anxious that the time, it 'pears like, flies away befo' I l'arn anything."
"Time will seem kinder after awhile, for then you will be more able to employ it. When you want books that are full of interest, come over to our house."
Rain began to pour down. A frightened quail fluttered past the door. A baffled hawk screamed in anger. A rabbit ran into the yard and squatted under an old and tangled rose-bush. The rain ceased. The rabbit shook himself and ran away. The hawk screamed in anger.
"It is time we were going, daughter," said Mrs. Forest when a stream of sunlight came through the window. "Will you please get our horse?" she added, addressing John.
John bowed, rather awkwardly, perhaps, yet with not a bad show of courtesy, and hurried away to execute the commission.
"Mrs. Forest," said Potter, "we do not live so far apart but that we might be more neighborly in the future."