the new-comer might
observe this _degout_ on the part of the young girl. He takes no notice
of it however--either by word, or the movement of a feature. On the
contrary, he appears perfectly indifferent to the character of the
reception given him. Not that his manner betrays anything like
swagger--for he is evidently not one of the swaggering sort. Rather is
his behaviour characterised by a cool, quiet effrontery--a sort of
sarcastic assurance--ten times more irritating. This is displayed in
the laconic style of his salutation: "Morning girls! father at home?"--
in the fact of his dismounting without waiting to be invited--in sharply
scolding the dog out of his way as he leads his horse to the shed; and,
finally, in his throwing the saddle-bags over his arm, and stepping
inside the cabin-door, with the air of one who is not only master of the
house, but of the "situation."

Inside the door he is received by the squatter himself; and in the
exchange of salutations, even a casual observer might note a remarkable
difference in the manner of the two men; the guest cool, cynical,
confident--the host agitated, with eye unsteady, and heart evidently ill
at ease. There is a strange significance in the salutation, as also in
the little incident that follows. Before a dozen words have passed
between the two men, the schoolmaster turns quietly upon his heel, and
closes the door behind him--the squatter making no objection to the act,
either by word or gesture! The incident may appear of trifling
importance; but not so to Marian, who stands near, watching every
movement, and listening to every word. Why is the door closed, and by
Josh Stebbins?--that rude door, that, throughout the long summer-day, is
accustomed to hang open on its raw-hide hinges? All day, and often all
night--except during the cold wintry winds, or when rain-storms blow
from the west? Why is it now closed, and thus unceremoniously? No
wonder that Marian attaches a significance to the act.

Neither has she failed to note the agitated mien of her father while
receiving his visitor--that father, at all other times, and in the
presence of all other people, so bold, fierce, and impassible! She
observes all this with a feeling of pain. For such strange conduct
there must be a cause, and a serious one: that is her reflection.

The young girl stands for some moments in the attitude she has assumed.
Her sister has gone aside to pluck some flowers growing b