n't mind," said Jacqueline next day, "I think we
had better go back to Rainbow Lodge."

Jack's arm and shoulder were swathed in white cotton and she had none of
her usual color, but she was out on the veranda and insisted that she
was not suffering in the least.

"Nonsense, Jack," Mrs Simpson returned kindly. "You are not angry at the
scolding I gave you last night, are you? You know you deserved it, but
of course you and Jean were only thoughtless. We have forgotten all
about it to-day."

Jack looked away. "Everybody hasn't forgotten, Aunt Sallie, but I am not
running away because of that. I had a note from Jim this morning and I
think he needs me at the ranch."

Mrs. Simpson flushed. "I know you are referring to my niece and sister,
Jack, but you must remember that Mrs. Post and Laura have lived always
in the East. Laura has been very carefully brought up and they are not
accustomed to our Western ways of looking at things. But I am sure that
if you show them you are sorry, they will forgive you in course of
time."

Jack's face was no longer pale, she was crimson with anger. If there was
one thing in the world which she had no intention of doing, it was to
show penitence for her conduct to Laura Post or her mother. It seemed to
Jack that to treat a guest in the fashion that Miss Post had treated her
and Jean and to be malicious and vain and small-minded, was a good deal
worse than to have committed the thoughtless act that she and Jean had
been guilty of. But for the sake of Mrs. Simpson, Jacqueline for the
moment held her peace. She hoped she would be able to hold it until she
got away from the Simpson ranch, but was by no means sure.

Olive and Frieda were out in the yard walking quietly up and down.
Frieda was chattering like a magpie, but the Indian girl was silent and
rarely lifted her eyes. Frieda waved to Jack and the two girls started
toward her and Mrs. Simpson, but at this moment, Laura Post and Dan
came out of the front door of the ranch house.

Jack saw Laura stop and say something to the Indian girl. Olive turned
quickly and with her head drooping went directly into the house.

Sturdy little Frieda stood stock still and then raised a pair of
indignant blue eyes to Laura. "I don't believe you!" she exclaimed
hotly, "I am going to ask Jack."

Frieda rushed across the porch, her eyes streaming with tears and flung
herself into Jacqueline's arms, Dan Norton and Laura following her more
slowly.

N