mutual friend is present to introduce us, has not Nature taken upon
herself the office through this chestnut burr? But perhaps I should
further Nature's efforts by giving you my card."

As Miss Walton regained composure, she soon proved to Gregory that she
was not merely a shy country girl. At the close of his rather long and
fanciful speech she said, genially, extending her hand: "My love for
Nature is unbounded, Mr. Gregory, and the introduction you have so
happily obtained from her weighs more with me than any other that you
could have had. Let me welcome you to your own home, as it were. But
see, your hand is bleeding, where the burr pricked you. Is this an
omen, also? If our first meeting brings bloody wounds, I fear you will
shun further acquaintance."

There was a spice of bitterness in Gregory's laugh, as he said:
"People don't often die of such wounds. But it is a little odd that in
taking your hand I should stain it with my blood. I am inclined to
drop the burr after all, and base all my claims on my practical
visiting card. You may come to look upon the burr as a warning, rather
than an introduction, and order me off the premises."

"It was an omen of your choice," replied Miss Walton, laughing. "You
have more to fear from it than I. If you will venture to stay you
shall be most welcome. Indeed, it almost seems that you have a better
right here than we, and your name has been so often heard that you are
no stranger. I know father will be very glad to see you, for he often
speaks of you, and wonders if you are like his old friend, the dearest
one, I think, he ever had. How long have you been here?"

"Well, I have been wandering about the place much of the afternoon."