`` All compliments , '' said Murray in a gratified tone . `` Lazy ? '' `` Certainly . Laziness is a virtue in these strenuous days , I was not born with it , but I have painstakingly acquired it , and I am proud of my success . I have time to enjoy life . '' `` I think that I like you , '' said Mollie . `` You have the merit of being able to enter into a situation , '' he assured her . When the last Jersey was milked they carried the pails down to the spring where the creamers were sunk and strained the milk into them . Murray washed the pails and Mollie wiped them and set them in a gleaming row on the shelf under a big maple . `` Thank you , '' she said . `` You are not going yet , '' said Murray resolutely . `` The time I saved you in milking three cows belongs to me . We will spend it in a walk along the pond shore . I will show you a path I have discovered under the beeches . It is just wide enough for two . Come . '' He took her hand and drew her through the copse into a green lane , where the ferns grew thickly on either side and the pond waters plashed dreamily below them . He kept her hand in his as they went down the path , and she did not try to withdraw it . About them was the great , pure silence of the morning , faintly threaded with caressing sounds -- croon of birds , gurgle of waters , sough of wind . The spirit of youth and love hovered over them and they spoke no word .
When they finally came out on a little green nook swimming in early sunshine and arched over by maples , XXXXX the wide shimmer of the pond before it and the gold dust of blossoms over the grass , the girl drew a long breath of delight .
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