I at last got my tour of Louisa's succession houses that afternoon. Truth be told, I was not particularly interested in the fruit at the growing stage, though nothing could have exceeded my enthusiasm for it once it appeared on the table. But I wanted to please Louisa as well as have an opportunity for some private conversation with her. 

 That I had pleased her was evident as soon as we entered. She darted here and there like a butterfly, spouting complicated Latin names and describing possible problems, such as diseases and insects, and how to avoid them. I cannot remember a word of it but I did find it quite interesting. Enthusiasm is infectious. 

 At length she slowed to a halt. We sat down on a pretty outdoor seat and she picked a peach for each of us. It was a lovely, com...

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