Better be her than anybody else." When the two at the end of the pergola began talking, it was strangely enough about the affair of the Syrian girl.
"I suppose, have always supposed, that the poor young thing's husband came and stole his little son," said Von Rosen.
"You would have adopted him ?" asked Annie in a shy voice.
"I think I would not have known any other course to take," replied Von Rosen.
"It was very good of you," Annie said.

She cast a little glance of admiration at him.
Von Rosen laughed.

"It is not goodness which counts to one's credit when one is simply chucked into it by Providence," he returned.
Annie laughed.

"To think of your speaking of Providence as 'chucking.'" "It is rather awful," admitted Von Rosen, "but somehow I never do feel as if I need be quite as straight-laced with you." "Mr.von Rosen, you have talked with me exactly twice, and I am at a loss as to whether I should consider that remark of yours as a compliment or not." "I meant it for one," said Von Rosen earnestly.

"I should not have used that expression.