the frontier took everything as a matter of course. She had seen
them manifest a certain pleasure; but neither surprise, concern, nor
any of the quick impulses so common among other people. And this was
another lesson Nell took to heart. She realized that she was
entering upon a life absolutely different from her former one, and
the thought caused her to shrink from the ordeal. Yet all the
suggestions regarding her future home; the stories told about
Indians, renegades, and of the wild border-life, fascinated her.
These people who had settled in this wild region were simple, honest
and brave; they accepted what came as facts not to be questioned,
and believed what looked true. Evidently the fur-trader's wife and
her female neighbors had settled in their minds the relation in
which the girl stood to Joe.

This latter reflection heightened Nell's resentment toward her
lover. She stood with her face turned away from Mrs. Wentz; the
little frown deepened, and she nervously tapped her foot on the
floor.

"Where is my sister?" she presently asked.

"She went to see the wagon-train come in. Everybody's out there."

Nell deliberated a moment and then went into the open air. She saw a
number of canvas-covered wagons drawn up in front of the cabins; the
vehicles were dusty and the wheels encrusted with yellow mud. The
grizzled frontiersman who had smiled at Nell stood leaning on his
gun, talking to three men, whose travel-stained and worn homespun
clothes suggested a long and toilsome journey. There was the bustle
of excitement incident to the arrival of strangers; to the quick
exchange of greetings, the unloading of wagons and unharnessing of
horses and oxen.

Nell looked here and there for her sister. Finally she saw her
standing near her uncle while he conversed with one of the
teamsters. The girl did not approach them; but glanced quickly
around in search of some one else. At length she saw Joe unloading
goods from one of the wagons; his back was turned toward her, but
she at once recognized the challenge conveyed by the broad
shoulders. She saw no other person; gave heed to nothing save what
was to her, righteous indignation.

Hearing her footsteps, the young man turned, glancing at her
admiringly, said:

"Good evening, Miss."

Nell had not expected such a matter-of-fact greeting from Joe. There
was not the slightest trace of repentance in his calm face, and he
placidly continued his labor.

"Aren't you sorry