"Why couldn't Giff have been like this ?" she thought; yet she did not say that she and Mr.Forsythe were like "brother and sister," for she was always conscious of a possibility in their friendship; but it was enough that Mr.Forsythe was very interesting, and that that summer, life was very delightful.
After all, love is frequently a matter of propinquity.
Dick found himself going often to the rectory, and Lois fell into the habit of making her plans with the reservation, "In case Mr.Forsythe calls;" and it generally happened that he did call.

"Mother sends her love, and will Miss Lois come and read to her a little while this afternoon, if she is not too busy ?" or, "Mother returns this dish, and begs me to thank you for the jelly, and to tell Jean how good it was." It was easy for Dick to manufacture errands like these.

Dr.Howe began to think young Forsythe spent the greater part of his time at the rectory.
But this did not trouble him at all; in fact it was a satisfaction that this lively young man liked the rectory so much.

Dr.Howe did not go very far into the future in his thoughts; he was distinctly flattered in the present.

Of course, if anything came of it (for the rector was not entirely unworldly), why, it would be all for the best.