e beheld her in a prairie
saddle, on a prairie pony, with only the wide wealth of grass-land for
her setting. Elvine in the saddle suggested a single identity between
horse and rider. Her riding suit was expensively simple, and cut as
only such suits can be cut. The figure beneath it was displayed to its
fullest advantage. There was no studied pose. Just the perfection of
horsemanship which demands an intimate freedom at all times. Then her
dark head under her carefully adjusted prairie hat. The shining masses
of hair, obvious in their wealth even under careful dressing. The
softly healthy cheeks, and the perfect profile as she pored over the
letter in her hand.

Presently Elvine looked up. She did not turn at once to the husband at
her side. Her gaze was directed ahead. It ignored the scene of
undulating plain, and the distant ramparts of wooded hills. It saw
nothing but the images in her own brain, and the conjured thoughts of a
troubled heart and conscience.

"You see it's important," Jeff said, with a feeling that the news in
the letter had caused disappointment.

"I s'pose it is."

There was a curious lack of interest in the woman manner. Her tone was
listless.

"I'm afraid I'll have to go." The man felt he was apologizing, and it
seemed absurd that apology should be required. Then he reminded her.
"You see, these things come with my work as President. It's pretty
good if you think. Guess I'll only be from home one night."

"You _must_ go--I s'pose?"

The man's eyes widened.

"Sure."

"But it seems unfair you should be put to all this for nothing."

Jeff shook his head.

"Why, I don't guess it's any worry. Besides, it's an honor. You see,
Evie, I'm out all I know to set up a big position for you. And it's
these calls as President of the Western Union are going to fix things
the way I'd have them."

His eyes had somehow become serious. There was even a lack of his
recent warmth in them. He had not expected any protest from his wife.
A shade of disappointment at his going perhaps. But that was all.

"You're at the call of anybody around to settle disputes?"

"Only where the interests of cattle-raising are affected."

Elvine handed him back the letter. She did not turn to him. A curious
set to her lips warned Jeff that in some way his contemplated journey
was adversely affecting her. Nor was it merely the disappointment he
had been prepared for. He felt there was need to