Everywhere the rhododendron was bloom-loaded, and the
large-petaled flower of the "cucumber tree" spread its waxen whiteness.
Hill-sides were pink with the wild-rose and underfoot violets and the
dandelions made a bright mosaic.

Again Alexander was approaching her door with her face set toward the
sunset and again she saw before her own house the figure of a man who
loomed tall, and who for a brief space remained a featureless
silhouette against the colored sky.

She hastened her step a little, resolved that this time she would teach
Jerry, in an unforgettable fashion, that her edicts of banishment were
final and that they could not be lightly disobeyed--but this time it
was not Jerry.

Indeed she had realized that almost immediately and her heart had
missed its beat. The man was Halloway himself and he was looking in
another direction just then, so he did not see the fleet, yet instantly
repressed eagerness that flashed into and out of her eyes. It was a
self-collected young woman, with a distinctly casual manner who crossed
the stile and confronted her visitor.

As he turned and saw her, he started impulsively forward, but recovered
himself and also adopted the matter-of-fact demeanor, which she had,
herself, assumed.

"Howdy, Jack," said the girl carelessly. "I didn't know ye war
hyarabouts. I'd jest erbout forgot ye altogether."

"I reckon thet would be a right easy thing ter do," he handsomely
admitted, then each having indulged in the thrust and parry of an
introductory lie, they stood there in the sunset, eying each other in
silence.

But Alexander recognized a transformation in the man's appearance, and
if she seemed tepid of interest, the semblance belied her throbbing
pulses. Halloway was too accomplished an actor to have abandoned his
pose or makeup. He must remain in character and dress the part, but he
had used a consummate skill in doing so. In every detail of clothing
he remained the mountaineer, yet there was no longer any trace of the
slovenly or unclean.

He was close shaven and trim of hair. His flannel shirt, still open on
his throat, was of good quality. The trousers that were thrust into
high laced boots were not so new as to attract undue attention, but
they fitted him. The note of carelessness was maintained--but with
artistry to accentuate the extraordinary effect of physique and
feature. He was eye-filling and rather splendid.

Alexander felt that some recognition of thi