They had been slowly moving up the path towards the house. As they reached the level of the grassy garden ground, where the path took a turn, Rufus stopped and faced about upon the river. The fair October evening air and light were there, over the water and over the land.
"It is beautiful!" he said somewhat abstractedly.
"You are not so fond of it as your brother, Mr. Landholm," said Elizabeth.
"What makes you think so?"
There was quick annoyance in his tone, but Miss Haye was not careful.
"Am I wrong? Are you as fond of it?"
"I don't know," said Rufus. "His life has been as steadily given to his pursuits as mine has to mine."
"Perhaps more. But what then? I always thought you loved the city."
"Yes," Rufus said thoughtfully, — "I did; — but I love this too. It would be a very cold head and heart that did not."
Elizabeth made no reply; and the two enjoyed it in silence for a minute or two longer.