"
"Probably he gave me credit for being able to take care of myself in broad
daylight."
"Probably he never gave it a second's thought one way or the other.
Hereafter you had better consult your natural protectors before starting
out on Quixotic excursions with indifferent strangers."
"Louis!"
She actually stamped her little foot while walking.
"Well?"
"Stop that, please. You are not my keeper."
Her cousin smiled quizzically. They took their seats on the dummy, just as
the sun, a golden ball, was about to glide behind Lone Mountain. Late
afternoon is a quiet time, and Ruth and Louis did not speak for a while.
The girl was experiencing a whirl of conflicting emotions, --anger at
Louis's interference, pleasure at his protecting care, annoyance at what he
considered gross negligence on the doctor's part, and a sneaking pride, in
defiance of his insinuations, over the thought that Kemp had trusted to her
womanliness as a safeguard against any chance annoyance. She also felt
ashamed at having showed temper.
"Louis," she ventured finally, rubbing her shoulder against his, as gentle
animals conciliate their mates, "I am sorry I spoke so harshly; but it
exasperates me to hear you cast slurs, as you have done before, upon Dr.
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