Her manner with her lover, too, was often strangely moody.

Sometimes she would display a gaiety that was almost feverish, and shortly after, perhaps, he would surprise her in tears.

But she always declared that she was not unhappy; and, unable to conceive of any reason why she should be, Paul was fain to conceive that she was merely nervous.
The absorption of the lovers in each other's society naturally left Miss Ludington more often alone than before; but Ida was very far from neglecting her for her lover.

Her care for her since her sickness was such as a daughter might give to a beloved and invalid mother.

It was an attention such as the lonely old lady had never enjoyed in her life, or looked for, and would have been most grateful to have had from any one, but how much more from Ida! The village street was a rarely romantic promenade on moonlight evenings, and the twanging of Paul's guitar was often heard till after midnight from the meeting-house steps, which were a favourite resort with the lovers.