They went to a hollow pile of stones, where a negro stood ready to serve them. "Help yourself to the lemonade. It was deemed advisable to have nothing strong. A very old ladle, that, sir; it was the property of my grandfather. The cigars, Jacob, the gold band. Now, here's a cigar, sir, that I can recommend. Oh, don't stop at one. Here," he added, grabbing a handful, "put these in your pocket, for I am sure you'll not get any like them down town. Well, if you will be kind enough to excuse me, I'll slip off to look after my other guests." Lyman walked about, joking and gathering the names of the joyous maidens, the heavy men, the light young fellows, and the dames who had come to enjoy their daughters' conquests and their own dignity. With a feeling of disappointment he wondered why the banker's family was not represented, and more than once he looked about sweepingly, believing that he had heard the loud voice of Zeb Sawyer. He mused that his work was done, that the company had transacted its business with him, and he turned aside to a quiet spot, to a seat behind a clump of shrubs, to smoke a cigar and to picture Warren's surprise and delight. The cigar burned out and he was about to go, when he heard the ripple of skirts on the soft grass. A woman came across the sward, and in the light of a neighboring lantern Lyman recognized Eva. She saw him and halted. "Won't you please sit down," he said, rising. "I--I--didn't know you were here," she replied, looking back. "The fact that you came is proof enough of that," said he, with a quiet laugh. "How shrewd you are," she replied. "No, I am only considerate. But now that you are here, won't you please sit down. I am weary of senseless chatter, and I would like to talk to you." "Oh, I couldn't refuse, after such a compliment as that. And, besides, I am tired." She sat down; he continued to stand. She did not appear to notice it. "I looked all over the ground, but could not find you," he said. "Mamma and I did not come until just now. We live so near that we put off our coming until late." "Did your father come?" "No. Only mamma and I. Some of us had to come." "Just you and your mother, and not Mr. Sawyer?" "He didn't come with us. I don't know that he is here." For a few moments they were silent. "I am so tired of everything," she said. "Tired of yourself?" "Yes, I am." "Why don't you do something? Did you ever think of that?" "What would be the use of thinking of it? There's nothing for me to do." "There is something for everyone to do. Why don't you take up some line of study?" "I hate study. I can't put my mind on it." "But you could read good books." "I do, but I get tired. I must have been petted too much." "Ah! A girl is beginning to be strong when she feels that way. I suppose you have been flattered all your life." "Do I show it?" "Yes. But not so much as you did." "And do you know the reason?" "I don't know, unless it is that you have been sobered by a joke."