"
Nell's sleepy blue eyes opened a little wider. She did
not know what to make of this changed young man. Dick felt gleeful
and tried hard to keep the fact from becoming manifest.
"What's the inconsequential past? You seem remarkably happy
to-day."
"I certainly am happy. Adios. Pleasant dreams."
Dick turned away then and left the patio by the opening into the
yard. Nell was really sleepy, and when she had fallen asleep again
he would return. He walked around for a while. Belding and the
rangers were shoeing a broncho. Yaqui was in the field with the
horses. Blanco Sol grazed contently, and now and then lifted his
head to watch. His long ears went up at sight of his master, and
he whistled. Presently Dick, as if magnet-drawn, retraced his steps
to the patio and entered noiselessly.
Nell was now deep in her siesta. She was inert, relaxed, untroubled
by dreams. Her hair was damp on her brow.
Again Nell stirred, and gradually awakened. Her eyes unclosed,
humid, shadowy, unconscious. They rested upon Dick for a moment
before they became clear and comprehensive. He stood back fully
ten feet from her, and to all outside appearances regarded her
calmly.
"I've interrupted your siesta again," he said. "Please forgive me.
I'll take myself off."
He wandered away, and when it became impossible for him to stay
away any longer he returned to the patio.
The instant his glance rested upon Nell's face he divined she was
feigning sleep.
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