but even
his one beloved ideal might be displaced by another. So like a man,
after all!

Her reflections were broken upon by the sound of voices. The young man
carefully replaced the model in its closet with a parting glance as if
he was closing a shrine, and said, "There comes the wagon." The young
girl turned to face the men who were dragging it from the road, with
the half-complacent air of having been victorious over their late rude
abandonment, but they did not seem to notice it or to be surprised
at her companion, who quickly stepped forward and examined the broken
vehicle with workmanlike deliberation.

"I hope you will be able to do something with it," she said sweetly,
appealing directly to him. "I should thank you SO MUCH."

He did not reply. Presently he looked up to the man who had brought her
to the shanty, and said, "The axle's strained, but it's safe for five or
six miles more of this road. I'll put the wheel on easily." He paused,
and without glancing at her, continued, "You might send her on by the
cart."

"Pray don't trouble yourselves," interrupted the young girl, with a pink
uprising in her cheeks; "I shall be quite satisfied with the buggy as
it stands. Send her on in the cart, indeed! Really, they were a rude
set--ALL of them."

Without taking the slightest notice of her remark, the man replied
gravely to the young mechanic, "Yes, but we'll be wanting the cart
before it can get back from taking her."

"Her" again. "I assure you the buggy will serve perfectly well--if
this--gentleman--will only be kind enough to put on the wheel again,"
she returned hotly.

The young mechanic at once set to work. The young girl walked apart
silently until the wheel was restored to its axle. But to her surprise a
different horse was led forward to be harnessed.

"We thought your horse wasn't safe in case of another accident," said
the first man, with the same smileless consideration. "This one wouldn't
cut up if he was harnessed to an earthquake or a worse driver than
you've got."

It occurred to her instantly that the more obvious remedy of sending
another driver had been already discussed and rejected by them. Yet,
when her own driver appeared a moment afterwards, she ascended to her
seat with some dignity and a slight increase of color.

"I am very much obliged to you all," she said, without glancing at the
young inventor.

"Don't mention it, miss."

"Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon." They al