"If I was always nice to you, you wouldn't know how lucky you are!" she
countered. "It's good for you to have your bad days--with me."

"Well, maybe you're right. You're 'most always right; but gosh! a feller
does like a little encouragement once in a while. You can be so cruel,
Angy!"

"Can I? If you think not waving to you is cruelty, you ought to see some of
my other forms of torture."

"Ugh! I hope I never do!" He drank again from the cup.

"Say," Angela said, watching him, "you seem to like that coffee a lot more
than you like me! That brunette in the cup is my rival!"

He looked at her in blank amazement. He hadn't much sense of humor. He was
as literal-minded as a child. "You certainly are the funniest girl, Angy!"
he said, "How could coffee be a girl's rival?"

"Easier than a fellow in Bisbee--maybe. Better look out, 'Red,' or I'll sue
Mrs. Quinn for alienation of affections!"

"Oh, you wouldn't do that!" said the kindly, honest "Red."

"What a stupid you are, to be sure!" said Angela, and laughed. "There--eat
these hot cakes--though how you can on this beastly warm morning is more
than I can see--and then play me some tunes. I'm dying to hear some music.
This afternoon Dad says he's going over to your ranch. I don't know what
for, do you? I do wish people didn't have to lose their property. Why are