and I am very much interested in these social and economic questions
which are so fundamental to the perpetuity of our State and National
prosperity. I have been both entertained and instructed by these
discussions; and I might say, honored, too, that you do not consider
me too young and foolish to talk of serious subjects."

"I am sure it is kind of you to make good excuses for me. You have
at any rate relieved my mind of some burden, but I am sure you are
the only woman I have ever known, except my mother, who could endure
discussions of this sort. I have so greatly enjoyed the few short
visits I have had with you. I wish I might write to you and I shall
be so much interested to learn what success your father has if he
begins a system of soil improvement. Would it be presuming to hope
that I might hear from you also?"

"I am papa's stenographer," she replied, "and perhaps he will
dictate and I will write. We will be glad to hear of your safe
return,--and you,--you might ask papa. Now, I shall soon be out of
sight."

"Please don't," begged Percy. "It is still forty-five minutes 'at
least,' before the train comes. Let me go a piece with you. I will
leave my suit case here and with nothing to carry I shall easily
walk a mile in twenty minutes. May I drive, please?"

"No, I will drive. I want to ask you another question, and I am
afraid you would drive too fast.

"You mentioned some long-continued scientific investigations which I
assumed referred to the yield of crops. What were they?"