Part 17 (2/2)

Weeping-willows swept over them in lines of gold-green light, and evergreen trees stood among them as they had stood all winter. In many of these were sunken vases and bottles of spring flowers, lilacs and violets.

Lois and Francis Arms went on to the Mason monument.

”This is the one Aunt Jane was speaking about,” he said, in a deferential tone.

Lois looked up at the four white marble women grouped around the central shaft, their Greek faces outlined against the New England sky.

”It was made by a famous sculptor,” said Francis; ”and it cost a great deal of money.”

Lois nodded.

”They box it up in the winter, so it won't be injured by the weather,” said Francis.

Lois nodded again. Presently they turned away, and went on to a new grave, covered with wreaths and floral devices. The fragrance of tuberoses and carnations came in their faces.

”This is the grave Aunt Jane wanted you to see,” said Francis.

”Yes, sir,” returned Lois.

They stood staring silently at the long mound covered with flowers.

Francis turned.

”Suppose we go over this way,” said he.

Lois followed him as he strode along the little gra.s.sy paths between the burial lots. On the farther side of the cemetery the ground sloped abruptly to a field of new gra.s.s. Francis stooped and felt of the short gra.s.s on the bank.

”It's dry,” said he. ”I don't think your aunt would mind. Suppose we sit down here and rest a few minutes?”

Lois looked at him hesitatingly.

”Oh, sit down just a few minutes,” he said, with a pleasant laugh.

They both seated themselves on the bank, and looked down into the field.

”It's pleasant here, isn't it?” said Francis.

”Real pleasant.”

The young man looked kindly, although a little constrainedly, down into his companion's face.

”I hear you haven't been very well,” said he. ”I hope you feel better since you came to Elliot?”

”Yes, thank you; I guess I do,” replied Lois.

Francis still looked at her. Her little face bent, faintly rosy, under her hat. There was a grave pitifulness, like an old woman's, about her mouth, but her shoulders looked very young and slender.

”Suppose you take off your hat,” said he, ”and let the air come on your forehead. I've got mine off; it's more comfortable. You won't catch cold. It's warm as summer.”

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