If women have a little natural spite, men in some situations are endowed with enormous selfishness, and the bump of appropriation grows almost into a deformity." "I never expect to see deformities of any kind in Graydon Muir," she said, laughing.

"Now that we understand each other so well, give me your hand and pull me up this steep place before which we have stood so long, while getting over another little steep place that lay in our path.

I'm glad the others have all gone on, for now you can help me all you choose, and I shan't care." He did help her, with a touch and freedom that grew into something like caresses.

He felt that he had revealed himself almost as completely as if he had spoken his love, and that he had received and was receiving more than encouragement.

She did not rebuke his manner, which was that of a lover.