I think over there Nature affects and influences us: here, I fancy, it is itself affected by the people." "I think a good deal of Nature comes over from America for that purpose," he said dryly.
"And I think you are breaking your promise--besides being a goose!" she retorted smartly.

Nevertheless, for some occult reason they both seemed relieved by this exquisite witticism, and trotted on amicably together.

When Paul lifted his eyes to hers he could see that they were suffused with a tender mischief, as of a reproving yet secretly admiring sister, and her strangely delicate complexion had taken on itself that faint Alpine glow that was more of an illumination than a color.

"There," she said gayly, pointing with her whip as the wood opened upon a glade through which the parted trees showed a long blue curvature of distant hills, "you see that white thing lying like a snowdrift on the hills ?" "Or the family washing on a hedge." "As you please.

Well, that is the villa." "And you were very happy there ?" said Paul, watching her girlishly animated face.
"Yes; and as you don't ask questions, I'll tell you why.