We wandered about during the afternoon immensely interested in all that
we saw. During that time the party was much together, and my conversation
with Mrs. Falchion was general. We had supper at a quiet little tavern,
idled away an hour in drinking in the pleasant scene; and when dusk came
went out again to the banks of the river.
From the time we left the tavern to wander by the river I managed to be a
good deal alone with Mrs. Falchion. I do not know whether she saw that I
was anxious to speak with her privately, but I fancy she did. Whatever we
had to say must, in the circumstances, however serious, be kept
superficially unimportant. And, as it happened, our serious conference
was carried on with an air of easy gossip, combined with a not artificial
interest in all we saw. And there was much to see. Far up and down the
river the fragrant dusk was spotted with the smoky red light of torches,
and the atmosphere shook with shadows, through which ran the song of the
river, more amiable than the song of the saw, and the low, weird cry of
the Indians and white men as they toiled for salmon in the glare of the
torches.
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