The comfort of this fact being upon them, the two took advantage of it. Mr. Knowlton drew his chair close to the table over which Diana's fingers were so busy; and a talk began, which in the range and variety and arbitrary introduction of its topics, it would be in vain to try to follow. Through it all Diana's work went on, except now and then when her fingers made an involuntary pause. The berries were picked over, and weighed, and put over the fire, and watched and tended there; while the tall form of the young officer stood beside Diana as she handled her skimmer, and went back and forth as she went, helping her to carry her jars of sweetmeat.
"Have you told your mother?" Mr. Knowlton asked.
"No."
"Why not?" he asked quickly.
"I did not think it was a good time, last night or this morning."
"Does she not like me?"
"I think she wants to put some one else in your place, Evan."
"Who?" he asked instantly.
"Nobody you need fear," said Diana, laughing. "Nobody I like."
"Is there anybody you do like?"