"Seems to me they _are_ the softest and bluest and kindest in the world." "I think they are," said Helen, "and they are more beautiful than the 'Italian skies,' though I doubt if many of us Hoosiers realize it; and--certainly no one else does." The old man leaned over and patted her hand.

Harkless gasped.

"'Us Hoosiers!'" chuckled the judge.

"You're a great Hoosier, young lady! How much of your life have you spent in the State?
'Us Hoosiers!'" "But I'm going to be a good one," she answered, gaily, "and if I'm good enough, when I grow up maybe I'll be a great one." The buckboard had been brought around, and the four young people climbed in, Harkless driving.

Before they started, the judge, standing on the horse-block in front of the gate, leaned over and patted Miss Sherwood's hand again.