"Oh, dear!" Nanny began to speak her mind but stopped abruptly. For
how could she tell this young man from India that he had that morning
spoiled forever perhaps a lovely romance. She knew that he was
innocent, as innocent as Jocelyn. And she knew that Green Valley meant
no harm. It was nothing. And yet so often trouble, sorrow and
heartache start in just that kind of nothingness. Out of playful
little whirlwinds of careless laughter cruel storms are born.

When Cynthia's son turned to walk home with her Nanny waved him back
and spoke curtly.

"My goodness--no! You mustn't. I never let anybody escort me about
this foolish little town."

Then she hurried home alone and left John Knight standing on his
hilltop.




CHAPTER XI

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Nobody but a Green Valley man would have dared to do the things that
the new minister did in those first months, when even the most daring
of reverend gentlemen is apt to be a bit careful and given to the
tactful searching for the straight and narrow path which is the earthly
lot of pastors.