“What is that?” asked Frances.
“That, too, is a secret,” laughed Champney.
⁂
When next we meet any of our characters, they—or at least two of them—are toiling up a steep mountain path in the Bavarian Tyrol. Frances leads, for the way is narrow, and Champney follows. Conversation is at a marked discount; but whether this is due to the natural incompatibility of the two, or merely to the exertion of the climb, is unknown to history.
“She gets lovelier every day,” finally remarked Champney.
Frances stopped, and turned. “What did you say?” she asked.
“I didn’t speak,” answered Champney.
“I’m sure you did,” said Frances.
“No,” denied Champney, “I was merely thinking.”
“You did say something, I’m sure,” responded Frances, turning, and resuming the climb.