cabin.

"I didn't ask her to lunch--I don't care!" Alix said to herself,
in agitation. "She and Justin know they're beaten--they're just
trying to patch it up before it's too late--I don't care--I won't
have her think she can get away with any such scheme--!"

And so muttering and scolding, Alix got back to her dog and her
barnyard, and soothed herself with great hosing and cleaning of
the duck-pond, and much skimming and tasting of Kow's preserves.
After all, she had grudged this perfect summer day to the city,
and she was always happiest here, in the solitude of the high
mountain.




CHAPTER XV


Meanwhile, Cherry, in the sick flutter of spirits that had become
familiar to her of late, kept her dentist appointment, and at noon
looked at a flushed and lovely vision of herself in the dentist's
mirror.

"Doctor has given me red lips!" said Cherry, trembling, and trying
to smile to the nurse in attendance.

"I guess the good Lord gave you your looks," Miss Maloney said
generously. "You're the youngest-looking--to be married!" she