The road was here sunny, there shady; the excessive heat broken, the air pleasant enough.

Everywhere, too, was the singing of birds, while the fields that they passed of tobacco and golden, waving wheat were charming to the sight.

The minister was, when sober, a man of parts, with some education and a deal of mother wit; in addition, a close and shrewd observer of the times and people.

He and Haward talked of matters of public moment, and the two women listened, submissive and admiring.

It seemed that they came very quickly to the bridge across the creek and the parting of their ways.