it to influence
his manners. Clover drew a mental contrast between the two which was not
to Clarence's advantage.

"Who's that fellow anyway?" demanded Clarence. "How long have you known
him? What business has he to be bringing you roses, and making up parties
to take you off on private cars?"

Something in Clover's usually soft eyes made him stop suddenly.

"I beg your pardon," he said in an altered tone.

"I really think you should," replied Clover, with pretty dignity.

Then she moved away, and began to talk to Geoff, whose grave courtesy at
once warmed into cheer and sun.

Clarence, thus left a prey to remorse, was wretched. He tried to catch
Clover's eye, but she wouldn't look at him. He leaned against the
balustrade moody and miserable. Phil, who had watched these various
interludes with interest, indicated his condition to Clover with another
telegraphic wink. She glanced across, relented, and made Clarence a little
signal to come and sit by her.

After that all went happily. Clover was honestly delighted to see her two
friends again. And now that Clarence had recovered from his ill-temper,
there was nothing to mar their enjoyment. Geoff's horse had cast a shoe on
the way down, it seemed, and must be taken to the blacksmith's, so they
did not stay very long; but it was arranged that they should come back to
dinner at Mrs. Marsh's.

"What a raving belle you are!" remarked Marian Chase, as the young men
rode away. "Three is a good many at a time, though, isn't it?"

"Three what?"

"Three--hem! leaves--to one Clover!"

"It's the usual allowance, I believe. If there were four, now--"

"Oh, I dare say there will be. They seem to collect round you like wasps
round honey. It's some natural law, I presume,--gravitation or levitation,
which is it?"

"I'm sure I don't know, and don't try to tease me, Poppy. People out here
are so kind that it's enough to spoil anybody."

"Kind, forsooth! Do you consider it all pure kindness? Really, for such a
belle, you're very innocent."

"I wish you wouldn't," protested Clover, laughing and coloring. "I never
was a belle in my life, and that's the second time you've called me that.
Nobody ever said such things to me in Burnet."

"Ah, you had to come to Colorado to find out how attractive you could be.
Burnet must be a very quiet place. Never mind; you sha'n't be teased,
Clover dear. Only don't let this trefoil of yours get to fighting with one
another. That good-loo