“How do you know?” asked David, looking surprised.

“There were several in our company, and I found them very much alike.  Blunt and honest, domestic and kind; hard to get at, but true as steel when once won; not so brilliant and original as Americans, perhaps, but more solid and steadfast.  On the whole, I think them the manliest men in the world,” answered Christie, in the decided way young people have of expressing their opinions.

“You speak as if you had known and studied a great variety of men,” said David, feeling that he need not resent the comparison she had made.

“I have, and it has done me good.  Women who stand alone in the world, and have their own way to make, have a better chance to know men truly than those who sit safe at home and only see one side of mankind.  We lose something; but I think we gain a great deal that is more valuable than admiration, flattery, and the superficial service most men give to our sex.  Some one says, ’Companionship teaches men and women to know, judge, and treat one another justly.’  I believe it; for we who are compelled to be fellow workers with men understand and value them more truly than many a belle who has a dozen lovers sighing at her feet.  I see their faults and follies; but I also see so much to honor, love, and trust, that I feel as if the world was full of brothers.  Yes, as a general rule, men have been kinder to me than women; and if I wanted a staunch friend I’d choose a man, for they wear better than women, who ask too much, and cannot see that friendship lasts longer if a little respect and reserve go with the love and confidence.”

Christie had spoken soberly, with no thought of flattery or effect; for the memory of many kindnesses bestowed on her by many men, from rough Joe Butterfield to Mr. Power, gave warmth and emphasis to her words.

The man sitting on the wall appreciated the compliment to his sex, and proved that he deserved his share of it by taking it exactly as she meant it, and saying heartily: 

“I like that, Christie, and wish more women thought and spoke as you do.”

“If they had had my experience they would, and not be ashamed of it.  I am so old now I can say these things and not be misjudged; for even some sensible people think this honest sort of fellowship impossible if not improper.  I don’t, and I never shall, so if I can ever do any thing for you, David, forget that I am a woman and tell me as freely as if I was a younger brother.”

“I wish you were!”

“So do I; you’d make a splendid elder brother.”

“No, a very bad one.”

There was a sudden sharpness in David’s voice that jarred on Christie’s ear and made her look up quickly.  She only caught a glimpse of his face, and saw that it was strangely troubled, as he swung himself over the wall with little Vic on his arm and went toward the house, saying abruptly: 

“Baby ’s sleepy:  she must go in.”