"Why bricklayers?"

"Because I fancy that bricklaying makes as slight drain on the
imagination as almost any pursuit in life. Speaking of poets and
waterfalls, do you remember Byron's daring simile in Manfred? He
compares a certain waterfall at the foot of the Jungfrau to the tail of
the pale horse ridden by Death in the Apocalypse. Mrs. Denham," said
Lynde abruptly, "the marquis tells me there's a delightful short cut,
through the rocks here, which strikes into the road a mile further on."

"Let us take it then," answered Mrs. Denham, settling herself
comfortably in the cushions.

"It is a foot-path," explained Lynde.

"Oh!"

"Our reputation as great American travellers will suffer, Mrs. Denham,
if we fail to do a bit of Switzerland on foot. Rather than have that
happen I would undertake the expedition alone. It would be mere
martyrdom, though, without company." As Lynde turned the handle of the
carriage door and planted his foot on the first step, he ventured a
glance at Miss Ruth, who was sitting there with a face as impenetrable
as that of the Memphian Sphinx.

"Certainly, if our reputation is at stake," exclaimed Mrs. Denham,
rising with alacrity. Lynde could not help his clouded countenance.
"No," she added, slowly sinking back into the seat, "I've no ambition as
an explorer. I really have not."