as was his custom, and the sound of the cracking ice
had warned him in time.

"Oh, I see, they're apple blossoms," he added
carelessly as he straightened up. "We've got a lot
in our orchard. You like flowers, I see." The even
tone and perfect self-possession of the young man
reassured her.

"Oh, I adore them; don't you?" Lucy answered
in a relieved, almost apologetic voice. She was sorry
she had misjudged him. She liked him rather the
better now for her mistake.

"Well, that depends. Apple blossoms never
looked pretty to me before; but then it makes a good
deal of difference where they are," answered Bart
with a low chuckle.

Jane had been watching the two and had noticed.
Bart's position and manner. His easy familiarity
of pose offended her. Instinctively she glanced about
the room, wondering if any of her guests had seen it.
That Lucy did not resent it surprised her. She
supposed her sister's recent training would have
made her a little more fastidious.

"Come, Lucy," she called gently, moving toward
her, "bring Bart over here and join the other
girls."