But that again is the result of John's idea of employing native skill at the expense of retaining native habits." The evening closed early, and with no diminution in the falling rain and rising wind.

Falkner kept his word, and unostentatiously performed the out-door work in the barn and stables, assisted by the only Chinese servant remaining, and under the advice and supervision of Kate.
Although he seemed to understand horses, she was surprised to find that he betrayed a civic ignorance of the ordinary details of the farm and rustic household.

It was quite impossible that she should retain her distrustful attitude, or he his reserve in their enforced companionship.
They talked freely of subjects suggested by the situation, Falkner exhibiting a general knowledge and intuition of things without parade or dogmatism.

Doubtful of all versatility as Kate was, she could not help admitting to herself that his truths were none the less true for their quantity or that he got at them without ostentatious processes.

His talk certainly was more picturesque than her brother's, and less subduing to her faculties.