It was red--a red geranium.

There was a whole cart of 'em, and that's why I noticed 'em, I expect.

But a red geranium is a Jim-dandy flower, ain't it ?" To this outburst Gabriella made no reply.

Her will had hardened with the determination not to be drawn into conversation, and while he waited with his eager gray eyes--so like the alert, wistful eyes of a great dog--on her profile, she began carelessly plucking up spears of grass from the flower-bed.
For a minute he waited expectantly; then, as she did not look up, he remarked, "So long!" in a voice of serene friendliness, and went on to the gate.

He had actually said "So long" to her, Gabriella, and he had said it with a manner of established intimacy! "Well, what do you think of that ?" she demanded scornfully of Miss Polly when he had disappeared up the street.
"I reckon he don't know any better, honey.