sts so much。〃
Mitch went on with the lesson as he continued to work。 〃New York and
Vermont produce the most syrup in this country； though the province of
Quebec yields more than the two states bined。 Today； most of the
monly used syrups are actually a bination of maple syrup； cane
sugar syrup； and corn syrup。 If you ask me； though； there's no contest。
The straight stuff； the real thing； beats all。〃
Anne couldn't argue with that。
For a while they proceeded in silence； but it was a friendly silence； an
intimate one。 She noted that he favored his right arm； cranking the hand
drill around with it； while the other held the shaft in place。 When she
offered to take a turn； he indulged her； enjoying her struggle with a
smug smile。 When she finally gave up and turned the chore back to him；
he said； 〃That's okay； Annie。 I could never have cleaned the house the
way you did this time。〃
〃You noticed？〃
〃How could I help it；〃 he teased with a rewarding grin。 〃I was nearly
blinded by the sparkle。〃
Anne knew the feeling。 She was nearly blinded now by the sparkle in his
eyes。 When he pushed two spouts into her hand； she was temporarily
disoriented。
〃In the tree？〃 he prodded with a cockeyed grin； leaving her to recover
while he went for more buckets。
That first day； they drilled holes； inserted spouts； and hung buckets on
the largest of the maples near the house。 On succeeding days they
collected the sap that had flowed。 It was no mean feat； carting heavy
buckets from tree to house and back。
〃If we had the most modern equipment；〃 Mitch teased as she massaged the
nagging muscles of her shoulders；