And yet--
Suddenly he looked across at her. "He loves her!" he announced.
"Oh, Nick!" exclaimed Olga reproachfully. "You cheated! You pulled off
two!"
"He usually does cheat," Muriel observed, plucking a flower of grass
and regarding it with absorption.
"So do you," retorted Nick unexpectedly.
"I!" She looked at him in amazement. "What do you mean?"
"I sha'n't tell you," he returned, "because you know, or you would
know if you took the trouble to find out. Grange, I wish you would
give me a light. Hullo, Olga, there's a hawk! See him? Straight above
that cedar!"
All turned to look at the dark shape of the bird hovering in mid-air.
Seconds passed. Suddenly there was a flashing, downward swoop, and the
sky was empty.
Olga exclaimed, and Nick sent up a wild whoop of applause. Muriel gave
a great start and glanced at him. For a single instant his look met
hers; then with a sick shudder, she turned aside.
"You are cold," said Grange.
Yes, she was cold. It was as if an icy hand had closed upon her heart.
As from an immense distance, she heard Olga's voice of protest.
"Oh, Nick, how can you cheer?"
And his careless reply. "My good child, don't grudge the poor creature
his dinner. Even a bird of prey must live. Come along! We'll go in to
tea. Muriel is cold.
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