John Ames Mitchell

“ But it’s the first time, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is; and I have wondered at your courage. But do it all the time if you feel the least bit better.”
She smiled and shook her head. “No, I shall not collapse again. I shall follow your example. You are always in good spirits.” ”

“ When the table had been cleared and the dishes washed Pats, Elinor, and Solomon went out behind the house and stood near the edge of the cliff. Eastward, across the bay, Pats pointed to a distant headland running out into the Gulf, the highest land in sight.
“As near as I can guess that hill is about twenty miles away. If there is nothing between to hinder I can walk it in a day. Now, from that highest point I can probably get a view for many miles. Who knows what lies beyond? There may be a settlement very near. In that case we are saved.” ”

“ More likely some female devil who beguiled the old man. Probably he was so ashamed of her he never dared go home again.”
“Oh, Pats! I blush for you.”
“It’s a silly face.”
“It is a face full of character.”
“Oh, come now, Elinor! It would pass for a portrait of the full moon.”
“Well, the full moon has character. And I love those big merry eyes with the funny little melancholy kind of droop at the outer corners. Poor thing! She must have had a sad life out here in the wilderness.” ”