e, took himself abruptly away, almost running
till he had put himself out of hearing of Annixter's raillery. And even
ten minutes later, when Annixter, still chuckling, stood upon the porch
steps, he saw the priest, far in the distance, climbing the slope of
the high ground, in the direction of the Mission, still hurrying on at
a great pace, his cassock flapping behind him, his head bent; to
Annixter's notion the very picture of discomfiture and confusion.

As Annixter turned about to reenter the house, he found himself almost
face to face with Hilma Tree. She was just going in at the doorway, and
a great flame of the sunset, shooting in under the eaves of the porch,
enveloped her from her head, with its thick, moist hair that hung low
over her neck, to her slim feet, setting a golden flash in the little
steel buckles of her low shoes. She had come to set the table for
Annixter's supper. Taken all aback by the suddenness of the encounter,
Annixter ejaculated an abrupt and senseless, "Excuse me." But Hilma,
without raising her eyes, passed on unmoved into the dining-room,
leaving Annixter trying to find his breath, and fumbling with the brim
of his hat, that he was surprised to find he had taken from his head.
Resolutely, and taking a quick advantage of his opportunity, he followed
her into the dining-room.

"I see that dog has turned up," he announced with brisk cheerfulness.
"That Irish setter I was asking about."

Hilma, a swift, pink flush deepening the delicate rose of her cheeks,
did not reply, except by nodding her head. She flung the table-cloth out
from under her arms across the table, spreading it smooth, with quick
little caresses of her hands. There was a moment's silence. Then
Annixter said:

"Here's a letter for you." He laid it down on the table near her, and
Hilma picked it up. "And see here, Miss Hilma," Annixter continued,
"about that--this morning--I suppose you think I am a first-class
mucker. If it will do any good to apologise, why, I will. I want to be
friends with you. I made a bad mistake, and started in the wrong way.
I don't know much about women people. I want you to forget about
that--this morning, and not think I am a galoot and a mucker. Will you
do it? Will you be friends with me?"

Hilma set the plate and coffee cup by Annixter's place before answering,
and Annixter repeated his question. Then she drew a deep, quick breath,
the flush in her cheeks returning.

"I think it was--it wa