"To send a chit of a girl for him--John Penhallow!" "Now," she cried to the driver, "be careful.

Why did they send _you_ ?" Billy, a middle-aged man, short-legged and long of body, turned a big-featured head as he replied in an odd boyish voice, "The man was busy giving a ball in the stable." "A ball"-- said John--"in the stable ?" "Oh! that is funny," said the girl.

"A ball's a big pill for Lucy, my mare.

She's sick." "Oh! I see." And they were off and away through the wind-driven snow.
The girl, instinctively aware of the shyness and discomfort of her companion, set herself to put him at ease.

The lessening snow still fell, but now a brilliant sun lighted the white radiance of field and forest.
He was warmer, and the disconnected chat of childhood began.
"The snow is early.