asantness of her life. Most of it was too bitter.

Eagerly the girls watched for the first sight of the ranch house, but
it was not until the car reached the wide gateway that they were able
to glimpse it. It stood far back toward the edge of the cliff and was
so completely surrounded by trees that it was impossible to tell just
what kind of a house it was. If it had not been for a few windows it
might have been taken for part of the old wall. There was no attempt
at ornament, in that adobe structure. The front was bare and without
imagination. The door was in the center with a stone walk leading to
it.

Bet especially felt disappointed. She had planned on a Spanish castle
or something equally imposing. A romantic setting for Enid, a gorgeous
frame that would bring out all the loveliness of her friend.

Everything was quiet. There was no sign of life.

Matt brought the car to a stand-still, and jumping out, opened the
doors. The girls dismounted and stood there hardly knowing what to do.

Then a Chinese boy opened the door of the house and Bet caught a
glimpse beyond him of a great patio, or interior court, full of
tropical plants like a hot house.

Here at last was a spot romantic enough to suit her taste. Bet clung
to Kit's arm as they went along the stone walk to the door.

"It's perfect, Kit, it's perfect!" she gasped.

CHAPTER VI

_CASA GRANDE_

The soft, tinkling ripple of a fountain in that interior court added to
a feeling of unreality. It was a stage set for a play. Palm trees and
many flowering plants grew in profusion and The Merriweather Girls,
unused to the luxuriant verdure of the south, stood looking about them
in surprise.

Even Kit was astonished, for Casa Grande had been neglected for years
before Judge Breckenridge had bought it and restored its beauty.

Enid's face shone with happiness. She was the first to speak. "Isn't
it glorious!" she cried as she clasped her hands together. "Just think
of being miles and miles away in the desert and having a place like
this. It's like a miracle! I love it!"

"Who wouldn't?" laughed Joy. "You are a lucky girl, Enid. You simply
can't appreciate it!"

"Can't I?" Enid smiled as she gave a little sigh.

Joy noticed the wistful look and hastened to add: "Of course you
appreciate it, Enid. I'm just envious, that's all."

Bet was so moved by the loveliness of the garden that tears stood in
her eyes. "I'd like to stay here