Before the evening was over, the
sound of tumultuously flowing water became an appreciable element in the
uproar without, and Webb, opening a window on the sheltered side of the
house, called Amy to hear the torrents pouring down the sides of Storm
King.
"What tremendous alternations of mood Nature indulges in!" she said, as
she came shivering back to the fire. "Contrast such a night with a sunny
June day."
"It would seem as if 'mild, ethereal spring' had got her back up," Burt
remarked, "and regarding the return of winter as a trespass, had taken
him by the throat, determined to have it out once for all. Something will
give way before morning, probably half our bridges."
"Well, that _is_ a way of explaining the jar among the elements that I
had not thought of," she said, laughing.
"You needn't think Webb can do all the explaining. I have my theories
also--sounder than his, too, most of 'em."
"There is surely no lack of sound accompanying your theory to-night.
Indeed, it is not all 'sound and fury!'"
"It's all the more impressive, then. What's the use of your delicate,
weak-backed theories that require a score of centuries to substantiate
them?"
"Your theory about the bridges will soon be settled," remarked Leonard,
ominously, "and I fear it will prove correct. At this rate the town will
have to pay for half a dozen new ones--bridges, I mean."
"Well amended," added Webb.
"Just hear the rain!" said Leonard, ruefully.
Pages:
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199