d, flattered? Women had called him romantic, whereas he knew
himself to be theatric; he wondered if she--

"I told Jackson you'd be out to look at the well and the books to-day,"
"Bob" was saying. "He won't wait an hour longer."

"Splendid! I came the instant you telegraphed--dropped everything, in
fact. Some of my men are waiting to see me, but I haven't even notified
them of my arrival. Important business, too; nevertheless, I hurried
right here. They can wait." Gray laughed gladly. "Jove! How becoming
that hat is. I hired the best-looking car I could find, and it will be
here in a minute. I told myself I had earned a day with you, and I
wouldn't spoil it by permitting you to drive. I've so much to talk to
you about--business of all sorts--that I scarcely know where to begin."

Now "Bob" had expected to drive to the Northwest Extension with Gray;
nothing else had been in her mind; her field clothing was even laid out
ready for a quick change, but a sudden contrariness took hold of her;
she experienced a shy perversity that she could not explain.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I--can't go. I simply can't," she declared.

He was so obviously disappointed that her determination gained
strength; she was surprised at her own mendacity when she explained the
utter impossibility of leaving the office, and told a circumstantial
fib about a title that had to be closed with people from out of town.
The more she talked the more panicky she became at thought of being for
hours alone with this forceful, this magnetic, this overwhelming
person. Strange, in view of the fact that she had been looking forward
to it for days!

In order finally to get him away before she could change her mind, she
promised to hurry through her affairs and then drive out and bring him
home. There was no time to lose; Jackson was growing impatient; it was
a wonderful deal; there were other days coming--

When Gray had gone and "Bob" was alone, she drew a deep breath. Her
pulse was rapid, she was tingling as if from some stimulating current.
What a man! What an effect he had upon people! What a fool she had been
not to go!

The road to Burkburnett is well surfaced for some distance outside of
Wichita Falls, therefore Gray leaned back with eyes closed as the car
sped over it, picturing again his meeting with Barbara, recalling her
words of greeting, puzzling over the subtle change in her demeanor at
the last. Perhaps he had frightened her. He was given to
overen