The city was unpleasantly hot and the breeze that swept its streets blew clouds of sand and cement about, for Montreal is subject to fits of feverish constructional activity and on every other block buildings were being torn down and replaced by larger ones of concrete and steel.

Leaving its outskirts, the carriage climbed the road which winds in loops through the shade of overhanging trees.

Wide views of blue hills and shining river opened up through gaps in the foliage; the air lost its humid warmth and grew fresh and invigorating.
Reaching the level summit, they found seats near the edge of a steep, wooded slope.

The strip of tableland is not remarkably picturesque, but it is thickly covered with trees, and one can look out across a vast stretch of country traversed by the great river.
When the party scattered, Mrs.Keith was left with Harding.

They were, in many ways, strangely assorted companions--the elderly English lady accustomed to the smoother side of life, and the young American who had struggled hard from boyhood--but they were sensible of a mutual liking.
Mrs.Keith had a trace of the grand manner, which had its effect on Harding; he showed a naive frankness which she found attractive.
Besides, his talk and conduct were marked by a labored correctness which amused and pleased her.