her curiosity in regard to the mystery that seemed
to cling round Glenn's transformation of character. This Western girl
really knew more about Glenn than his fiancee knew. Carley suffered
a humiliating shock when she realized that she had been thinking of
herself, of her love, her life, her needs, her wants instead of Glenn's.
It took no keen intelligence or insight into human nature to see that
Glenn needed her more than she needed him.

Thus unwontedly stirred and upset and flung back upon pride of herself,
Carley went downstairs to meet the assembled company. And never had
she shown to greater contrast, never had circumstance and state of mind
contrived to make her so radiant and gay and unbending. She heard
many remarks not intended for her far-reaching ears. An old grizzled
Westerner remarked to Hutter: "Wall, she's shore an unbroke filly."
Another of the company--a woman--remarked: "Sweet an' pretty as a
columbine. But I'd like her better if she was dressed decent." And a
gaunt range rider, who stood with others at the porch door, looking on,
asked a comrade: "Do you reckon that's style back East?" To which the
other replied: "Mebbe, but I'd gamble they're short on silk back East
an' likewise sheriffs."

Carley received some meed of gratification out of the sensation she
created, but she did not carry her craving for it to the point of
overshadowing Flo. On the contrary, she contrived to have Flo share the
attention she received. She taught Flo to dance the fox-trot and got
Glenn to dance with her. Then she taught it to Lee Stanton. And when Lee
danced with Flo, to the infinite wonder and delight of the onlookers,
Carley experienced her first sincere enjoyment of the evening.

Her moment came when she danced with Glenn. It reminded her of days
long past and which she wanted to return again. Despite war tramping and
Western labors Glenn retained something of his old grace and lightness.
But just to dance with him was enough to swell her heart, and for once
she grew oblivious to the spectators.

"Glenn, would you like to go to the Plaza with me again, and dance
between dinner courses, as we used to?" she whispered up to him.

"Sure I would--unless Morrison knew you were to be there," he replied.

"Glenn!... I would not even see him."

"Any old time you wouldn't see Morrison!" he exclaimed, half mockingly.

His doubt, his tone grated upon her. Pressing closer to him, she said,
"Come back and I'll prove it."