I 'll show you our ` cross-lots ' road . '' Anne walked with him to the house up the brook , over a field that was as white as snow with daisies . A boat-load of people were singing far across the harbor . The sound drifted over the water like faint , unearthly music wind-blown across a starlit sea . The big light flashed and beaconed . Owen Ford looked around him with satisfaction . `` And so this is Four Winds , '' he said . `` I was n't prepared to find it quite so beautiful , in spite of all mother 's praises . What colors -- what scenery -- what charm ! I shall get as strong as a horse in no time . And if inspiration comes from beauty , I should certainly be able to begin my great Canadian novel here . '' `` You have n't begun it yet ? '' asked Anne . `` Alack-a-day , no . I 've never been able to get the right central idea for it . It lurks beyond me -- it allures -- and beckons -- and recedes -- I almost grasp it and it is gone . Perhaps amid this peace and loveliness , I shall be able to capture it . Miss Bryant tells me that you write . '' `` Oh , I do little things for children . I have n't done much since I was married .
And -- I have no designs on a great XXXXX novel , '' laughed Anne .
Alack-a-day Anne Bryant Canadian Ford boat-load cross-lots loveliness right satisfaction