CHAPTER XIII.
"I wish you had a vacation too," said Richard Clyde, as we ascended together the winding hill.
"Then we should not have these pleasant walks," I answered.
"Why not ?" "Why, I should not be returning from school at this hour every day, and you would not happen to overtake me as you do now." "How do you know it is accident, Gabriella?
How do you know but I wander about the woods, a restless ghost, till glad ringing voices chiming together, announce that you are free, and that I am at liberty to play guardian and knight, as I did three or four years ago ?" "Because you would not waste your time so foolishly, and because I do not need a guardian now.

I am in authority, you know, and no one molests or makes me afraid." "Nevertheless, you need a guardian more than ever, and I shall remain true to my boyish allegiance." Richard always had a gay, dashing way of talking, and his residence in college had certainly not subdued the gay spirit of chivalry that sparkled in his eye.

He had grown much taller since I had seen him last, his face was more intellectual and altogether improved, and his dress was elegantly, though not foppishly, fashionable.

He was an exceedingly agreeable companion.

Even when I was most shy and sensitive, I felt at ease with him.