"She's not at the ranch. Her husband died, you know."

"I have an idea I can find her," he said. "I'll make a good try,
anyhow."

When he had gone she got her salts bottle and lay down on her bed.
Her heart was hammering wildly.

Elizabeth was waiting for him in the living-room, in the midst of
her family. She looked absurdly young and very pretty, and he had
a momentary misgiving that he was old to her, and that--Heaven save
the mark!--that she looked up to him. He considered the blue dress
the height of fashion and the mold of form, and having taken off
his overcoat in the hall, tried to put on Mr. Wheeler's instead in
his excitement. Also, becoming very dignified after the overcoat
incident, and making an exit which should conceal his wild
exultation and show only polite pleasure, he stumbled over Micky,
so that they finally departed to a series of staccato yelps.

He felt very hot and slightly ridiculous as he tucked Elizabeth into
the little car, being very particular about her feet, and starting
with extreme care, so as not to jar her. He had the feeling of
being entrusted temporarily with something infinitely precious, and
very, very dear. Something that must never suffer or be hurt.





VI