ith lips and eyes she flashed her ready
smile at him, he felt that odd stir in his blood. What a pity that a
girl like her, who might have been anything, elected to do a man's
work! When, again unexpectedly, he came another day upon Marcia riding
with Hampton, there was no quick stirring of the pulses, and he
contented himself with the thought: "Now, that is the sort of woman. A
man's woman! His other self . . ." and so on.

When Judith planned a little party to mark the departure of Marcia on
the 30th of June--it wasn't definitely decided that the Langworthys
were leaving then, but at least Farris and Rogers were--the reasons
actuating her were rather more complex than Judith herself fully
realized or would have admitted. She liked Marcia; she wanted to do at
least this much for her. Living-room, dining-room, music-room,
library--they would all be cleared of the larger pieces of furniture,
the double-doors thrown open. The string band from Rocky Bend would
come. Judith would send out invitations to the nicer people there and
to the ranches hereabout. She would have a barbecue, there would be
races and the usual holiday games, then the dance. Marcia would know
nothing of it until the last day, when her eager enthusiasm would send
her a-flutter to her dressing-room.

Unanalyzed, it was simplicity itself, this giving a farewell party to
Marcia. Under analysis, it was a different matter. The boys at the
ranch would be invited, and of course most of them would come. Bud Lee
would come. Judith would see to that, even if he should hesitate.

Bud Lee had always been so self-possessed, had so coolly found her
lacking, that, piqued a little, Judith longed for the opportunity to
place him in an atmosphere where a little of his calm self-possession
might be snatched from him. If she could embarrass him, if she could
see the red rise under his tanned skin, she would be giving Mr. Lee a
lesson good for his soul.

"I've got powerful little use for an affair like that," said Lee
coolly, when she told him. "Thank you, Miss Sanford, but I don't think
I'll come."

Judith shrugged her shoulders as though it did not in the least matter
to her.

"I'm giving it for Marcia," she said. "Do you think it would be quite
nice to her to stay away? I am afraid that she will be hurt."

Not Judith's words, but the look in her eyes changed Lee's intentions.

"If it's for Miss Langworthy," he said quietly, "I'll come."