"Where were you thinking of going?"
"To Denver."
Her conception of the East amused him. It was about as accurate as a New
Yorker's of the West.
"I'm glad you didn't. It would have spoiled you and sent you back just
like every other young lady the schools grind out."
She turned curiously toward him. "Am I not like other girls?"
It was on his tongue tip to tell her that she was gloriously different
from most girls he had known, but discretion sealed his lips. Instead, he
told her of life in the city and what it means to society women, its
emptiness and unsatisfaction.
His condemnation was not proof positive to her. "I'd like to go there for
myself some time and see. And anyhow it must be nice to have all the money
you want with which to travel," she said.
This gave him his opening. "It makes one independent. I think that's the
best thing wealth can give--a sort of spaciousness." He waited perceptibly
before he added: "I hope you have decided to be my partner in the mine."
"I've decided not to."
"I'm sorry. But why?"
"It's your mine. It isn't ours."
"That's nonsense. I always in my heart, recognized a moral claim you have.
Besides, the case isn't finished yet. Perhaps your father may win his
contest. I'm all for settling out of court."
"You know we won't win."
"I don't."
She gave him applause from her dark eyes. "That's very fair of you, but
Dad and I can't do it."
"Then you still have a grudge at me," he smiled.
"Not the least little bit of a one."
"I shan't take no for an answer, then. I'll order the papers made out
whether you want me to or not." Without giving her a chance to speak, he
passed to another topic: "I've decided to go out of the sheep business."
"I'm so glad!" she cried.
"Those aren't my feelings," he answered ruefully. "I hate to quit under
fire."
"Of course you do, but your friends will know why you do it."
"Why do I do it?"
"Because you know it's right. The cattlemen had the range first. Their
living is tied up in cattle, and your sheep are ruining the feed for them.
Yesterday when I was out riding I counted the bones of eight dead cows."