one; it isn't done in their
circle, you know. That's one of the differences in manners, I suppose,
that distinguishes Fifth Avenue from Broadway.' Gretzie was furious.
He had been speaking of Broadway shows and restaurants and things at
the time. He declared later that a little attention had turned her
head, and that what she had said was all rot. I don't care for her,
either. But let us talk of ourselves, Lee."

"Yes, that's more interesting," he remarked, with an accent of irony
that escaped her.

He was curious to learn what this talk was leading to. His curiosity
outweighed the irritation he felt at her calm ignoring of the past
weeks, at her complacent assumption of his love, at the kiss and the
caress she had bestowed, indeed, at her very presence in the room.

"Tell me everything about your work and about yourself," she said,
folding her hands and gazing up at him. "I'm so impatient to hear."

"Nothing worth relating has occurred," he replied.

"You've been well?"

"Oh, quite. This is a regular health resort."

"And you're not working too hard?"

"For a whole week I scarcely stirred from the stove," said he.

"I'm so glad. You had earned a rest. You don't seem worried about
anything, either."

"Worried?" His intonation was that of surprise. Then he added, as if
by after-thought, "Oh, no."

"How relieved I am! I feared you might be worrying your head off about
difficulties--cold weather, the time limit set, perhaps money matters.
I gained the impression somewhere that you might run short before you
finished; I can't just say where I got it. From Imo, perhaps. Nothing
definite, you know. But it's so nice to know that you're no longer
anxious. That means you're sure you'll build the ditch. How much more
is there to do?"

"You can see the north camp out of that window."

Ruth rose and went to the window indicated, where she stood surveying
the men and teams at work beyond the camp and the stretch of
sagebrush extending to the white specks of tents in the distance.

"That's all that's left to do, Lee?"

"That's all. Three miles."

"Charlie Menocal hasn't said anything about it lately."

"Knowing Charlie, I'm amazed," he commented.

Ruth resumed her seat and proceeded to toast her toes anew. Her
glances from time to time were directed at Lee's countenance somewhat
speculatively. Several times she smoothed her dress with slow
attention. Lee continued his deliberate smoking.

"Well, it's a great