only sounds to break the stillness were the laughter of
lovers along the walks below and the distant cry of
steamers in the harbor and rivers.

"You'd almost think you're in the mountains up
here, now wouldn't you?" he asked, after a moment's
silence.

"Yes. I call this park my country estate. It
costs me nothing to keep it in perfect order. The city
pays for it all. But I own it. Every tree and shrub
and flower and blade of grass, every statue and bird
and animal in it is mine. I couldn't get more joy out
of them if I had them inclosed behind an iron fence,
and the deed to the land in my pocket--not half as
much, for I'd be lonely and miserable without someone
to see and enjoy it all with me."

"Gee, that's so, ain't it? I never looked at it
like that before."

He gazed at her a long time in silent admiration,
and then spoke briskly.

"Now tell me about this North Carolina and all
those miles and square miles of mountains."

"You've a piece of paper and pencil?"

He lifted his hand school-boy fashion: