or was rather brave. He,
no doubt, imagined she would soon learn all about his affairs and meant
to make the best of things.

In the meantime, Charnock quietly studied her. She looked very fresh and
prettier than he thought. Although she had not ridden much in England,
he noted the grace and confidence with which she managed the spirited
range horse. For all that, he was rather surprised by his sensations. He
had expected to feel some embarrassment and sentimental tenderness when
they met, but she left him cold; his pulse had not quickened a beat.
Still it would be good for Sadie to know Helen, who could teach her
much, and she unconsciously gave him a lead.

"Well," she said, "I must get home. I shall, no doubt, see you now and
then."

"Not often, if you leave it to accident," he replied with a smile. "If
you like to arrange the thing, there's a nice point of etiquette. You
occupied your homestead before we came to ours, but you see we were on
the prairie first. Anyhow, I'd be glad if you will let me bring Sadie
over."

Helen thought he was going too far. She did not want to arrange for a
meeting and would sooner not receive his wife. After all, the girl had
supplanted her. Still she was curious and could not refuse.

"I'm often busy and daresay Mrs. Charnock is, while Stephen does not
stop work until late. However, if you like to take your chance----"

"Thank you," said Charnock; "we'll take the risk of finding you not at
home. Now perhaps it wouldn't be much trouble if you told Jasper I'm in
difficulties. You'll see his place when you cross the ravine near the
bluff."

Helen rode away, but when she saw Jasper's farm it was a mile off the
trail and she had to cross a broken sandy belt. For all that, she smiled
as she made the round. It was typical of Bob to send her. He might have
tethered his horses and walked the distance, but he had a talent for
leaving to somebody else the things he ought to do.

After supper she sat on the veranda, while Festing leaned against the
rails. The house was built of ship-lap boards, with a roof of cedar
shingles, and wooden pillars supporting the projecting eaves. It had
been improved and made comfortable with Helen's money, and with the land
about it, registered as belonging to her. Festing had insisted on this,
rather against her will, because she had meant to make it a gift to him.
The wind, as usual at sunset, had dropped, and clear green sky, touched
with dull red on the