"
Carried back to his train of speculations, Clayton started at this
abrupt deliverance. There was a suspicion of humor in the old
woman's tone that showed an appreciation of their different
standpoints. It was lost on Clayton, however, for his attention had
been caught by the word "mast," which, by some accident, he
I had never heard before.
" Mast," he asked, " what is that?
The girl looked toward him in amazement, and burst into a low,
suppressed laugh. Her mother explained the word, and all laughed
heartily.
Clayton soon saw that his confession of ignorance was a lucky
accident. It brought Easter and himself nearer common ground.
She felt that there was something, after all, that she could teach
him. She had been overpowered by his politeness and deference
and his unusual language, and, not knowing what they meant, was
overcome by a sense of her inferiority. The incident gave him the
key to his future conduct. A moment later she looked up covertly,
and, meeting his eyes, laughed again. The ice was broken. He
began to wonder if she really had noticed him so little at their first
meeting as not to recognize him, or if her indifference or reserve
had prevented her from showing the recognition. He pulled out his
note-book and began sketching rapidly, conscious that the girl was
watching him.
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