Fanny was talking with Ralph;--for these young gentlemen had made the
simple and admirable arrangement, without in the least consulting
the ladies, that Verty should always entertain and be entertained by
Redbud, Ralph quarrel with, and be quarreled with, by Fanny.
Each, on the present occasion, was carrying out his portion of the
contract; that is to say, Verty and Redbud were quietly smiling at
each other; Ralph and Fanny were exchanging repartees.
They came thus to the knoll which they had stopped upon in the
forenoon.
The fine kite--tied to a root, as we have said--was hovering far up
among the clouds, swaying and fluttering its streamers in the wind:
the various colors of the paper, and the flowers almost wholly
indiscernible, so high had it ascended.
"Look!" said Fanny, "there it is up among the swallows, which are
flying around it as if they never saw a kite before."
"Female swallows, doubtless," observed Ralph, carelessly.
"Female? Pray, why?"
"Because they have so much curiosity; see, you have made me utter what
is not common with me.
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