"WritetomeatPeyton’sranch，andI’llseeyouwhenIcomeback，andwe’llhuntupsomethingforyoutogether。"AsJimreceivedthepropositionwithakindofgloomyembarrassment，headdedlightly，withaglanceatthefarmhouse，"ItmightbenearHERE，youknow;
andyou’dhavepleasantneighbors，andeveneagerlistenerstoyouroldadventures。"
"You’dbettercomeinaminitbeforeyougo，"saidJim，clumsilyevadingadirectreply。Clarencehesitatedamoment，andthenyielded。ForanequalmomentJimHookerwastornbetweensecretjealousyofhisoldcomrade’sgracesandadesiretopresentthemasfamiliarassociationsofhisown。Buthisvanitywasquicklyappeased。
Needitbesaidthatthetwowomenreceivedthisfleckandfoamofasuper—civilizationtheyknewlittleofasalmostanimpertinencecomparedtotherugged，gloomy，pathetic，andequallyyouthfulheroofanadventurouswildernessofwhichtheyknewstillless？WhatavailedthecourtesyandgentlemelancholyofClarenceBrantbesidethemysteriousgloomanddarksavageryofRedJim？Yettheyreceivedhimpatronizingly，asonewhowas，likethemselves，anadmirerofmanlygraceandpower，andtherecipientofJim’sfriendship。ThefarmeraloneseemedtopreferClarence，andyetthelatter’stacitindorsementofRedJim，throughhisevidentpreviousintimacywithhim，impressedthemaninJim’sfavor。AllofwhichClarencesawwiththatsensitiveperceptionwhichhadgivenhimanearlyinsightintohumanweakness，yetstillhadnevershakenhisyouthfuloptimism。Hesmiledalittlethoughtfully，butwasopenlyfraternaltoJim，courteoustohishostandfamily，and，asherodeawayinthefaintmoonlight，magnificentlyopulentinhislargesstothefarmer，——hisfirstandonlyassertionofhisposition。
Thefarmhouse，stragglingbarn，andfringeofdustywillows，thewhitedomeofthemotionlesswagon，withthehangingfryingpansandkettlesshowinginthemoonlightlikeblacksilhouettesagainstthestaringcanvas，allpresentlysankbehindClarencelikethedetailsofadream，andhewasalonewiththemoon，thehazymysteryofthelevel，grassyplain，andthemonotonyoftheunendingroad。Asherodeslowlyalonghethoughtofthatotherdrearyplain，whitewithalkalipatchesandbrownwithringsofdesertedcamp—fires，knowntohisboyhoodofdeprivation，dependency，danger，andadventure，oddlyenough，withastrangedelight;andhislateryearsofstudy，monasticseclusion，andfinaleaseandindependence，withaneasysenseofwastedexistenceanduselesswaiting。HerememberedhishomelesschildhoodintheSouth，whereservantsandslavestooktheplaceofthefatherhehadneverknown，andthemotherthatherarelysaw;herememberedhisabandonmenttoamysteriousfemalerelation，wherehisnaturalguardiansseemedtohaveoverlookedandforgottenhim，untilhewassent，analltooyoungadventurer，toworkhispassageonanoverlandemigranttrainacrosstheplains;heremembered，asyesterday，thefears，thehopes，thedreamsanddangersofthatmomentousjourney。Herecalledhislittleplaymate，Susy，andtheirstrangeadventures——thewholeincidentthattheimaginativeJimHookerhadtranslatedandrehearsedashisown——rosevividlybeforehim。Hethoughtofthecruelendofthatpilgrimage，whichagainlefthimhomelessandforgottenbyeventherelativehewasseekinginastrangeland。Herememberedhissolitaryjourneytothegoldmines，takenwithaboy’strustandaboy’sfearlessness，andthestrangeprotectorhehadfoundthere，whohadnewsofhismissingkinsman;herememberedhowthisprotector——whomhehadatonceinstinctivelyloved——transferredhimtothehouseofthisnew—foundrelation，whotreatedhimkindlyandsenthimtotheJesuitschool，butwhoneverawakenedinhimafeelingofkinship。
Hedreamedagainofhislifeatschool，hisaccidentalmeetingwithSusyatSantaClara，thekeenrevivalofhisboyishloveforhisoldplaymate，nowaprettyschoolgirl，thepettedadoptedchildofwealthyparents。Herecalledtheterribleshockthatinterruptedthisboyishepisode：thenewsofthedeathofhisprotector，andtherevelationthatthishard，silent，andmysteriousmanwashisownfather，whoserecklesslifeanddesperatereputationhadimpelledhimtoassumeadisguise。
Herememberedhowhissuddenaccessiontowealthandindependencehadhalffrightenedhim，andhadalwaysleftalurkingsensitivenessthathewasunfairlyfavored，bysomemereaccident，abovehislessluckycompanions。Therudevicesofhisoldassociateshadmadehimimpatientofthefeeblersensualindulgencesofthelatercompanionsofhisluxury，andexposedtheirhollowfascinations;hissensitivefastidiousnesskepthimcleanamongvulgartemptations;hisclearperceptionswereneverblindedbyselfishsophistry。MeantimehisfeelingforSusyremainedunchanged。PridehadkepthimfromseekingthePeytons。HispresentvisitwasasunpremeditatedasPeyton’sinvitationhadbeenunlookedforbyhim。Yethehadnotallowedhimselftobedeceived。Heknewthatthiscourtesywasprobablyduetothechangeinhisfortune，althoughhehadhopeditmighthavebeensomechangeintheiropinionbroughtaboutbySusy。
Buthewouldatleastseeheragain，notinthepretty，half—
clandestinewayshehadthoughtnecessary，butopenlyandasherequal。
Inhisrapidrideheseemedtohavesuddenlypenetratedthepeacefulcalmofthenight。Therestlessirritationoftheafternoontradewindshadsubsided;thetendermoonlighthadhushedandtranquillypossessedtheworriedplain;theunendingfilesofwildoats，farspacedanddistinct，stooderectandmotionlessastrees;somethingofthesedatesolemnityofagreatforestseemedtohavefallenupontheirgiantstalks。Therewasnodew。Inthatlight，dryair，theheavierdustnolongerrosebeneaththeheelsofhishorse，whoseflyingshadowpassedoverthefieldlikeacloud，leavingnotrailortrackbehindit。Inthepreoccupationofhisthoughtandhisbreathlessretrospect，theyoungmanhadriddenfasterthanheintended，andhenowcheckedhispantinghorse。Theinfluenceofthenightandthehushedlandscapestoleoverhim;histhoughtstookagentlerturn;inthatdim，mysterioushorizonlinebeforehim，hisfutureseemedtobedreamilypeopledwithairy，gracefulshapesthatmoreorlesstookthelikenessofSusy。Shewasbright，coquettish，romantic，ashehadlastseenher;shewasolder，graver，andthoughtfullywelcomeofhim;orshewascold，distant，andseverelyforgetfulofthepast。Howwouldheradoptedfatherandmotherreceivehim？Wouldtheyeverlookuponhiminthelightofasuitortotheyounggirl？HehadnofearofPeyton，——heunderstoodhisownsex，and，youngashewas，knewalreadyhowtomakehimselfrespected;buthowcouldheovercomethatinstinctiveaversionwhichMrs。Peytonhadsooftenmadehimfeelhehadprovoked？Yetinthisdreamyhushofearthandsky，whatwasnotpossible？Hisboyishheartbeathighwithdaringvisions。
HesawMrs。Peytonintheporch，welcominghimwiththatmaternalsmilewhichhischildishlonginghadsooftencravedtosharewithSusy。Peytonwouldbethere，too，——Peyton，whohadoncepushedbackhistornstrawhattolookapprovinglyinhisboyisheyes;andPeyton，perhaps，mightbeproudofhim。
Suddenlyhestarted。Avoiceinhisveryear！
"Bah！Ayokeofvulgarcattlegrazingonlandsthatwerethinebyrightandlaw。Neithermorenorlessthanthat。AndItellthee，Pancho，likecattle，tobedrivenofforcaughtandbrandedforone’sown。Ha！TherearethosewhocouldsweartothetruthofthisontheCreed。Ay！andbringpapersstampedandsignedbythegovernor’srubrictoproveit。AndnotthatIhatethem，——bah！whatarethosehereticswinetome？Butthoudostcomprehendme？Itgallsandpricksmetoseethemswellingthemselveswithstolenhusks，andmenlikethee，Pancho，oustedfromtheirownland。"
Clarencehadhaltedinutterbewilderment。Noonewasvisiblebeforehim，behindhim，oneitherside。Thewords，inSpanish，camefromtheair，thesky，thedistanthorizon，heknewnotwhich。Washestilldreaming？Astrangeshivercreptoverhisskinasiftheairhadgrownsuddenlychill。Thenanothermysteriousvoicearose，incredulous，halfmocking，butequallydistinctandclear。
"Caramba！Whatisthis？Youarewandering，friendPancho。Youarestillsmartingfromhistongue。Hehasthegrantconfirmedbyhisbrigandgovernment;hehasthePOSSESSION，stolenbyathieflikehimself;andhehastheCorregidorswithhim。Forishenotoneofthemhimself，thisJudgePeyton？"
Peyton！Clarencefeltthebloodrushbacktohisfaceinastonishmentandindignation。Hisheelsmechanicallypressedhishorse’sflanks，andtheanimalsprangforward。
"Guarda！Mira！"saidthevoiceagaininaquicker，lowertone。Butthistimeitwasevidentlyinthefieldbesidehim，andtheheadsandshouldersoftwohorsemenemergedatthesamemomentfromthetallranksofwildoats。Themysterywassolved。Thestrangershadbeenmakingtheirwayalongalowerleveloftheterracedplain，hiddenbythegrain，nottwentyyardsaway，andparallelwiththeroadtheywerenowascendingtojoin。Theirfigureswerealikeformlessinlongstripedserapes，andtheirfeaturesundistinguishableunderstiffblacksombreros。
"Buenasnoches，senor，"saidthesecondvoice，informalandcautiousdeliberation。
AsuddeninspirationmadeClarencerespondinEnglish，asifhehadnotcomprehendedthestranger’swords，"Eh？"
"Gooda—nighta，"repeatedthestranger。
"Oh，good—night，"returnedClarence。Theypassedhim。Theirspurstinkledtwiceorthrice，theirmustangssprangforward，andthenextmomenttheloosefoldsoftheirserapeswereflutteringattheirsideslikewingsintheirflight。
CHAPTERIV。
AfterthechillofadewlessnightthemorningsunwasapttolookardentlyupontheRoblesRancho，ifsostronganexpressioncoulddescribethedry，oven—likeheatofaCaliforniancoast—rangevalley。Beforeteno’clocktheadobewallofthepatiowaswarmenoughtopermitlingeringvacquerosandidlepeonstoleanagainstit，andtheexposedannexewasfilledwithsharp，resinousodorsfromtheoozingsapofunseasoned"redwood"boards，warpedanddryinginthehotsunshine。EvenatthatearlyhourtheclimbingCastilianrosesweredroopingagainstthewoodencolumnsofthenewveranda，scarcelyolderthanthemselves，andminglinganalreadyfadedspicewiththearomaofbakingwoodandthemorematerialfragranceofsteamingcoffee，thatseemeddominanteverywhere。
Infact，theprettybreakfast—room，whosethreebroadwindows，alwaysopentotheveranda，gaveanalfrescoeffecttoeverymeal，wasapatheticendeavoroftheSouthern—bredPeytontoemulatethesoft，luxurious，andopen—airindolenceofhisnativeSouth，inaclimatethatwasnotonlynottropical，butevenaustereinitsmostfervidmoments。Yet，althoughcolddraughtsinvadeditfromtherearthatmorning，JudgePeytonsatalone，betweentheopendoorsandwindows，awaitingtheslowcomingofhiswifeandtheyoungladies。Hewasnotinanentirelycomfortablemoodthatmorning。
ThingswerenotgoingonwellatRobles。Thattruculentvagabond，Pedro，had，thenightbefore，takenhimselfoffwithacursethathadfrightenedeventhevacqueros，whomosthatedhimasacompanion，butwhonowseemedinclinedtoregardhisabsenceasaninjurydonetotheirrace。Peyton，uneasilyconsciousthathisownangerhadbeenexcitedbyanexaggeratedconceptionoftheaccident，wasnow，likemostobstinatemen，inclinedtoexaggeratetheimportanceofPedro’sinsolence。Hewaswelloutofittogetridofthisquarrelsomehanger—on，whosepresumptionandill—humorthreatenedthedisciplineoftherancho，yethecouldnotentirelyforgetthathehademployedhimonaccountofhisfamilyclaims，andfromadesiretoplacateracialjealousyandsettlelocaldifferences。
FortheinferiorMexicansandIndianhalf—breedsstillregardedtheiroldmasterswithaffection;were，infact，moreconcernedfortheintegrityoftheircastethanthemasterswerethemselves，andtheoldSpanishfamilieswhohadmadeallianceswithAmericans，andsharedtheirlandwiththem，hadrarelysucceededinalienatingtheirretainerswiththeirlands。CertainexperiencesintheprovingofhisgrantbeforetheLandCommissionhadtaughtPeytonthattheywerenottobedependedupon。Andlatelytherehadbeenunpleasantrumorsofthediscoveryofsomeunlooked—forclaimantstoadivisionofthegrantitself，whichmightaffecthisowntitle。
Helookedupquicklyasvoicesandlightstepsontheverandaatlastheraldedtheapproachofhistardyhouseholdfromthecorridor。
But，inspiteofhispreoccupation，hewasstartledandevenawkwardlyimpressedwithachangeinSusy’sappearance。Shewaswearing，forthefirsttime，alongskirt，andthissuddenmaturingofherfigurestruckhim，asaman，muchmoreforciblythanitwouldprobablyhaveimpressedawoman，morefamiliarwithdetails。Hehadnotnoticedcertainindicationsofwomanhood，assignificant，perhaps，inhercarriageasheroutlines，whichhadbeenlatelyperfectlyapparenttohermotherandMary，butwhichweretohimnow，forthefirsttime，indicatedbyafewinchesofskirt。Shenotonlylookedtallertohismasculineeyes，butthesefewincheshadaddedtothemysteryaswellasthedraperyofthegoddess;theywerenotsomuchtherevelationofmaturityasthesuggestionthatitwasHIDDEN。Soimpressedwashe，thatahalf—seriouslectureonheryesterday’schildishness，theoutcomeofhisirritatedreflectionsthatmorning，dieduponhislips。Hefelthewasnolongerdealingwithachild。
Hewelcomedthemwiththatsmileofbanteringapprobation，supposedtokeepdowninordinatevanity，whichforsomeoccultreasononealwaysreservesforthemembersofone’sownfamily。HewasquiteconsciousthatSusywaslookingveryprettyinthisnewandmaturefrock，andthatasshestoodbesidehiswife，farfromageingMrs。
Peyton’sgoodlooksandfigure，sheappearedlikeanequalcompanion，andthattheymutually"became"oneanother。This，andthefactthattheywereall，includingMaryRogers，intheirfreshest，gayestmorningdresses，awakenedahalf—humorous，half—
realapprehensioninhismind，thathewasnowhopelesslysurroundedbyamaturedsex，andinaweakminority。
"IthinkIoughttohavebeenprepared，"hebegangrimly，"forthisadditionto——to——theskirtsofmyfamily。"
"Why，John，"returnedMrs。Peytonquickly;"doyoumeantosayyouhaven’tnoticedthatthepoorchildhasforweeksbeenlookingpositivelyindecent？"
"Really，papa，I’vebeenasighttobehold。Haven’tI，Mary？"
chimedinSusy。
"Yes，dear。Why，Judge，I’vebeenwonderingthatSusystooditsowell，andnevercomplained。"
Peytonglancedaroundhimatthiscompactfeminineembattlement。Itwasashefeared。Yetevenherehewasagainatfault。
"And，"saidMrs。Peytonslowly，withthereservedsignificanceofthefemininepostscriptinhervoice，"ifthatMr。Brantiscominghereto—day，itwouldbejustaswellforhimtoseethatSHEISNO
LONGERACHILD，ASWHENHEKNEWHER。"
Anhourlater，good—naturedMaryRogers，inhercharacterof"adear，"——whichwasusuallyindicatedbytheundertakingofsmallerrandsforherfriend，——wasgatheringrosesfromtheoldgardenforSusy’sadornment，whenshesawavisionwhichlingeredwithherformanyaday。Shehadstoppedtolookthroughtheirongrilleintheadobewall，acrosstheopenwind—sweptplain。Miniaturewaveswerepassingoverthewildoats，withglitteringdisturbanceshereandthereinthedepressionslikethesparklingofgreenfoam;thehorizonlinewassharplydefinedagainstthehard，steel—bluesky;
everywherethebrand—newmorningwasshiningwithalmostpaintedbrilliancy;thevigor，spirit，andevencrudenessofyouthwereoverall。Theyounggirlwasdazzledandbewildered。Suddenly，asifblownoutofthewavinggrain，oranincarnationofthevividmorning，thebrightandstrikingfigureofayouthfulhorsemanflashedbeforethegrille。ItwasClarenceBrant！MaryRogershadalwaysseenhim，intheloyaltyoffriendship，withSusy’sprepossessedeyes，yetshefanciedthatmorningthathehadneverlookedsohandsomebefore。Eventhefoppishfripperiesofhisriding—dressandsilvertrappingsseemedasmuchthenaturalexpressionofconqueringyouthastheinvinciblemorningsunshine。
PerhapsitmighthavebeenareactionagainstSusy’scapriceorsomelatentsusceptibilityofherown;butamomentaryantagonismtoherfriendstirredevenherkindlynature。WhatrighthadSusytotriflewithsuchanopportunity？WhowasSHEtohesitateoverthisgallantprince？
ButPrinceCharming’squickeyeshaddetectedher，andthenextmomenthisbeautifulhorsewasbesidethegrating，andhisreadyhandofgreetingextendedthroughthebars。
"IsupposeIamearlyandunexpected，butIsleptatSantaInezlastnight，thatImightrideoverinthecoolofthemorning。Mythingsarecomingbythestage—coach，later。Itseemedsuchaslowwayofcomingone’sself。"
MaryRogers’sblackeyesintimatedthatthewayhehadtakenwastherightone，butshegallantlyrecoveredherselfandrememberedherpositionasconfidante。AndherewastheopportunityofdeliveringSusy’swarningunobserved。ShewithdrewherhandfromClarence’sfrankgrasp，andpassingitthroughthegrating，pattedthesleek，shiningflanksofhishorse，withadiscreetdivisionofadmiration。
"Andsuchalovelycreature，too！AndSusywillbesodelighted！
andoh，Mr。Brant，please，you’retosaynothingofhavingmetheratSantaClara。It’sjustaswellnottobeginwithTHAThere，for，yousee"（withalarge，maternalmanner），"youwerebothSOyoungthen。"
Clarencedrewaquickbreath。Itwasthefirstchecktohisvisionofindependenceandequalfooting！ThenhisinvitationwasNOTtheoutcomeofacontinuousfriendshiprevivedbySusy，ashehadhoped;
thePeytonshadknownnothingofhismeetingwithher，orperhapstheywouldnothaveinvitedhim。Hewashereasanimpostor，——andallbecauseSusyhadchosentomakeamysteryofaharmlessencounter，whichmighthavebeenexplained，andwhichtheymighthaveevencountenanced。Hethoughtbitterlyofhisoldplaymateforabriefmoment，——asbriefasMary’santagonism。Theyounggirlnoticedthechangeinhisface，butmisinterpretedit。
"Oh，there’snodangerofitscomingoutifyoudon’tsayanything，"
shesaid，quickly。"Rideontothehouse，anddon’twaitforme。
You’llfindtheminthepatioontheveranda。"
Clarencemovedon，butnotasspiritedlyasbefore。Neverthelesstherewasstilldashenoughabouthimandtheanimalhebestrodetostirintoadmirationthefewloungingvacquerosofacountrywhichwasapttojudgethestatusofariderbythequalityofhishorse。
Norwasthefavorableimpressionconfinedtothemalone。Peyton’sgratificationrangoutcheerilyinhisgreeting：——
"Bravo，Clarence！Youarehereintruecaballerostyle。Thanksforthecomplimenttotherancho。"
Foramomenttheyoungmanwastransportedbackagaintohisboyhood，andoncemorefeltPeyton’sapprovinghandpushingbackthewornstrawhatfromhischildishforehead。Afaintcolorrosetohischeeks;hiseyesmomentarilydropped。Thehighestartcouldhavedonenomore！Theslightaggressivenessofhisyouthfulfineryandpicturesquegoodlookswascondonedatonce;hismodestyconqueredwhereself—assertionmighthaveprovokedopposition，andevenMrs。Peytonfeltherselfimpelledtocomeforwardwithanoutstretchedhandscarcelylessfrankthanherhusband’s。ThenClarenceliftedhiseyes。Hesawbeforehimthewomantowhomhischildishhearthadgoneoutwiththeinscrutablelongingandadorationofamotherless，homeless，companionlessboy;thewomanwhohadabsorbedtheloveofhisplaymatewithoutsharingitwithhim;whohadshoweredherprotectingandmaternalcaressesonSusy，awaiflikehimself，yethadnotonlylefthisheartlonelyanddesolate，buthadevenaddedtohischildishdistrustofhimselfthethoughtthathehadexcitedheraversion。Hesawhermorebeautifulthaneverinherrestoredhealth，freshnessofcoloring，andmatureroundnessofoutline。Hewasunconsciouslytouchedwithaman’sadmirationforherwithoutlosinghisboyishyearningsandhalf—
filialaffection;inhernewmaterialisticwomanhoodhisyouthfulimaginationhadliftedhertoaqueenandgoddess。Therewasallthisappealinhisstillboyisheyes，——eyesthathadneveryetknownshameorfearintheexpressionoftheiremotions;therewasallthisinthegesturewithwhichheliftedMrs。Peyton’sfingerstohislips。ThelittlegroupsawinthisactonlyaSpanishcourtesyinkeepingwithhisacceptedrole。Butathrillofsurprise，ofembarrassment，ofintensegratificationpassedoverher。ForhehadnotevenlookedatSusy！
Herrelentingwasgraceful。Shewelcomedhimwithawinningsmile。
ThenshemotionedpleasantlytowardsSusy。
"Buthereisanolderfriend，Mr。Brant，whomyoudonotseemtorecognize，——Susy，whomyouhavenotseensinceshewasachild。"
AquickflushrosetoClarence’scheek。Thegroupsmiledatthisevidentyouthfulconfessionofsomeboyishadmiration。ButClarenceknewthathistruthfulbloodwasmerelyresentingthedeceithislipsweresealedfromdivulging。HedidnotdaretoglanceatSusy;
itaddedtothegeneralamusementthattheyounggirlwasobligedtopresentherself。ButinthisintervalshehadexchangedglanceswithMaryRogers，whohadrejoinedthegroup，andsheknewshewassafe。ShesmiledwithgraciouscondescensionatClarence;observed，withthepatronizingsuperiorityofageandestablishedposition，thathehadGROWN，buthadnotgreatlychanged，and，itisneedlesstosay，againfilledhermother’sheartwithjoy。Clarence，stillintoxicatedwithMrs。Peyton’skindliness，and，perhaps，stillembarrassedbyremorse，hadnottimetoremarkthegirl’sstudiedattitude。Heshookhandswithhercordially，andthen，inthequickreactionofyouth，acceptedwithhumorousgravitytheelaborateintroductiontoMaryRogersbySusy，whichcompletedthislittlecomedy。Andif，withawoman’squickness，Mrs。PeytondetectedacertainlingeringglancewhichpassedbetweenMaryRogersandClarence，andmisinterpretedit，itwasonlyapartofthatmystificationintowhichtheseyouthfulactorsareapttothrowtheirmatureaudiences。
"Confess，Ally，"saidPeyton，cheerfully，asthethreeyoungpeoplesuddenlyfoundtheirtongueswithaimlessvivacityandinconsequentlaughter，andstartedwithunintelligiblespiritsforanexplorationofthegarden，"confessnowthatyourbetenoirisreallyaverymanlyaswellasaverypresentableyoungfellow。ByJove！thepadreshavemadeaSpanishswelloutofhimwithoutspoilingtheBrantgrit，either！Come，now;you’renotafraidthatSusy’sstylewillsufferfromHIScompanionship。’Ponmysoul，shemightborrowalittleofhiscourtesytohiselderswithoutindelicacy。Ionlywishshehadassincereawayofshowingherrespectforyouashehas。Didyounoticethathereallydidn’tseemtoseeanybodyelsebutyouatfirst？Andyetyouneverwereafriendtohim，likeSusy。"
Theladytossedherheadslightly，butsmiled。
"Thisisthefirsttimehe’sseenMaryRogers，isn’tit？"shesaidmeditatively。
"Ireckon。Butwhat’sthattodowithhispolitenesstoyou？"
"Anddoherparentsknowhim？"shecontinued，withoutreplying。
"HowdoIknow？Isupposeeverybodyhasheardofhim。Why？"
"BecauseIthinkthey’vetakenafancytoeachother。"
"Whatinthenameoffolly，Ally"——beganthedespairingPeyton。
"Whenyouinviteahandsome，rich，andfascinatingyoungmanintothecompanyofyoungladies，John，"returnedMrs。Peyton，inherseverestmanner，"youmustnotforgetyouoweacertainresponsibilitytotheparents。IshallcertainlylookafterMissRogers。"
CHAPTERV。
Althoughthethreeyoungpeoplehadlefttheverandatogether，whentheyreachedtheoldgardenClarenceandSusyfoundthemselvesconsiderablyinadvanceofMaryRogers，whohadbecomesuddenlyanddeeplyinterestedinthebeautyofapassionvinenearthegate。Atthefirstdiscoveryoftheirisolationtheirvolubleexchangeofinformationaboutthemselvesandtheiroccupationssincetheirlastmeetingstoppedsimultaneously。Clarence，whohadforgottenhismomentaryirritation，andhadrecoveredhisoldhappinessinherpresence，wasneverthelessconsciousofsomeotherchangeinherthanthatsuggestedbythelengthenedskirtandthelaterandmoredelicateaccentuationofherprettiness。Itwasnotheraffectationofsuperiorityandoldersocialexperience，forthatwasonlytheoutcomeofwhathehadfoundcharminginherasachild，andwhichhestillgood—humoredlyaccepted;norwasithercharacteristicexaggerationofspeech，whichhestillpleasantlyrecognized。Itwassomethingelse，vagueandindefinite，——somethingthathadbeenunnoticedwhileMarywaswiththem，buthadnowcomebetweenthemlikesomeunknownpresencewhichhadtakentheconfidante’splace。
Heremainedsilent，lookingatherhalf—brighteningcheekandconsciousprofile。Thenhespokewithawkwarddirectness。
"Youarechanged，Susy，morethaninlooks。"
"Hush，"saidthegirlinatragicwhisper，withawarninggesturetowardstheblandlyunconsciousMary。
"But，"returnedClarencewonderingly，"she’syour——ourfriend，youknow。"
"IDON’Tknow，"saidSusy，inastilldeepertone，"thatis——oh，don’taskme！Butwhenyou’realwayssurroundedbyspies，whenyoucan’tsayyoursoulisyourown，youdoubteverybody！"Therewassuchaprettydistressinhervioleteyesandcurvingeyebrows，thatClarence，albeitvagueastoitsoriginandparticulars，neverthelesspossessedhimselfofthelittlehandthatwasgesticulatingdangerouslynearhisown，andpresseditsympathetically。Perhapspreoccupiedwithheremotions，shedidnotimmediatelywithdrawit，asshewentonrapidly："Andifyouwerecoopeduphere，dayafterday，behindthesebars，"pointingtothegrille，"you’dknowwhatIsuffer。"
"But"——beganClarence。
"Hush！"saidSusy，withastampofherlittlefoot。
Clarence，whohadonlywishedtopointoutthatthewholelowerendofthegardenwallwasinruinsandthegrillereallywasnoprevention，"hushed。"
"Andlisten！Don’tpaymemuchattentionto—day，buttalktoHER，"
indicatingthestilldiscreetanddistantMary，"beforefatherandmother。Notawordtoherofthisconfidence，Clarence。To—morrowrideoutaloneonyourbeautifulhorse，andcomebackbywayofthewoods，beyondourturning，atfouro’clock。There’satrailtotherightofthebigmadronotree。Takethat。Becarefulandkeepagoodlookout，forshemustn’tseeyou。"
"Whomustn’tseeme？"saidthepuzzledClarence。
"Why，Mary，ofcourse，yousillyboy！"returnedthegirlimpatiently。"She’llbelookingforME。Gonow，Clarence！Stop！
Lookatthatlovelybigmaiden’s—blushupthere，"pointingtoapink—suffusedspecimenofrosegrandiflorahangingonthewall。
"Getit，Clarence，——thatone，——I’llshowyouwhere，——there！"Theyhadalreadyplungedintotheleafybramble，and，standingontiptoe，withherhandonhisshoulderandheadupturned，Susy’scheekhadinnocentlyapproachedClarence’sown。AtthismomentClarence，possiblythroughsomeconfusionofcolor，fragrance，orsoftnessofcontact，seemedtohaveavailedhimselfoftheopportunity，inawaywhichcausedSusytoinstantlyrejoinMaryRogerswithaffecteddignity，leavinghimtofollowafewmomentslaterwiththecapturedflower。
Withouttryingtounderstandthereasonofto—morrow’srendezvous，andperhapsnotaltogetherconvincedoftherealityofSusy’stroubles，he，however，didnotfindthatdifficultyincarryingoutherothercommandswhichhehadexpected。Mrs。Peytonwasstillgracious，and，withfemininetact，inducedhimtotalkofhimself，untilshewaspresentlyinpossessionofhiswholehistory，barringtheepisodeofhismeetingwithSusy，sincehehadpartedwiththem。
Hefeltastrangesatisfactioninfamiliarlypouringouthisconfidencestothissuperiorwoman，whomhehadalwaysheldinawe。
Therewasanewdelightinherwomanlyinterestinhistrialsandadventures，andasubtlepleasureeveninherhalf—motherlycriticismandadmonitionofsomepassages。IamafraidheforgotSusy，wholistenedwiththecomplacencyofanexhibitor;Mary，whoseblackeyesdilatedalternatelywithsympathyfortheperformeranddeprecationofMrs。Peyton’scriticalglances;andPeyton，who，however，seemedlostinthought，andpreoccupied。Clarencewashappy。Thesoftlyshadedlightsinthebroad，spacious，comfortablyfurnisheddrawing—roomshoneonthegroupbeforehim。ItwasapictureofrefineddomesticitywhichthehomelessClarencehadneverknownexceptasavague，half—painful，boyishremembrance;itwasarealizationofwelcomethatfarexceededhiswildestboyishvisionoftheprecedingnight。Withthatrecollectioncameanother，——amoreuneasyone。Herememberedhowthatvisionhadbeeninterruptedbythestrangevoicesintheroad，andtheirvaguebutominousimporttohishost。Afeelingofself—reproachcameoverhim。Thethreatshadimpressedhimasonlymerebraggadocio，——heknewthecharacteristicexaggerationoftherace，——butperhapsheoughttoprivatelytellPeytonoftheincidentatonce。
Theopportunitycamelater，whentheladieshadretired，andPeyton，wrappedinaponchoinarocking—chair，onthenowchillyveranda，lookedupfromhisreverieandacigar。Clarencecasuallyintroducedtheincident，asifonlyforthesakeofdescribingthesupernaturaleffectofthehiddenvoices，buthewasconcernedtoseethatPeytonwasconsiderablydisturbedbytheirmorematerialimport。Afterquestioninghimastotheappearanceofthetwomen，hishostsaid："Idon’tmindtellingyou，Clarence，thatasfarasthatfellow’sintentionsgoheisquitesincere，althoughhisthreatsareonlyborrowedthunder。HeisamanwhomIhavejustdismissedforcarelessnessandinsolence，——twothingsthatrunindoubleharnessinthiscountry，——butIshouldbemoreafraidtofindhimatmybackonadarknight，aloneontheplains;thantoconfronthimindaylight，inthewitnessbox，againstme。Hewasonlyrepeatingasillyrumorthatthetitletothisranchoandtheninesquareleaguesbeyondwouldbeattackedbysomespeculators。"
"ButIthoughtyourtitlewasconfirmedtwoyearsago，"saidClarence。
"TheGRANTwasconfirmed，"returnedPeyton，"whichmeansthattheconveyanceoftheMexicangovernmentoftheselandstotheancestorofVictorRobleswasheldtobelegallyprovenbytheUnitedStatesLandCommission，andapatentissuedtoallthosewhoheldunderit。
IandmyneighborsholdunderitbypurchasefromVictorRobles，subjecttotheconfirmationoftheLandCommission。ButthatconfirmationwasonlyofVictor’sGREAT—GRANDFATHER’STITLE，anditisnowallegedthatasVictor’sfatherdiedwithoutmakingawill，VictorhasclaimedanddisposedofpropertywhichheoughttohavedividedwithhisSISTERS。Atleast，somespeculatingrascalsinSanFranciscohavesetupwhattheycall’theSisters’title，’andaresellingittoactualsettlersontheunoccupiedlandsbeyond。As，bythelaw，itwouldholdpossessionagainstthemereordinarysquatters，whoseonlyrightisbased，asyouknow，onthepresumptionthatthereisNOTITLECLAIMED，itgivesthepossessorimmunitytoenjoytheuseofthepropertyuntilthecaseisdecided，andevenshouldtheoriginaltitleholdgoodagainsthis，thesuccessfullitigantwouldprobablybewillingtopayforimprovementsandpossessiontosavetheexpensiveandtediousprocessofejectment。"
"ButthisdoesnotaffectYOU，whohavealreadypossession？"saidClarencequickly。
"No，notasfarasTHISHOUSEandthelandsIactuallyOCCUPYAND
CULTIVATEareconcerned;andtheyknowthatIamsafetofighttothelast，andcarrythecasetotheSupremeCourtinthatcase，untiltheswindleisexposed，ortheydropit;butImayhavetopaythemsomethingtokeepthesquattersoffmyUNOCCUPIEDland。"
"Butyousurelywouldn’trecognizethoserascalsinanyway？"saidtheastonishedClarence。
"Asagainstotherrascals？Whynot？"returnedPeytongrimly。"I
onlypayforthepossessionwhichtheirshamtitlegivesmetomyownland。Ifbyaccidentthattitleobtains，Iamstillonthesafeside。"Afterapausehesaid，moregravely，"Whatyouoverheard，Clarence，showsmethattheplanismoreforwardthanIhadimagined，andthatImayhavetofighttraitorshere。"
"Ihope，sir，"saidClarence，withaquickglowinhisearnestface，"thatyou’llletmehelpyou。YouthoughtIdidonce，youremember，——withtheIndians。"
TherewassomuchoftheoldClarenceinhisboyishappealandeager，questioningfacethatPeyton，whohadbeentalkingtohimasayoungerbutequalmanofaffairs，wasstartledintoasmile，"Youdid，Clarence，thoughtheIndiansbutcheredyourfriends，afterall。
Idon’tknow，though，butthatyourexperienceswiththoseSpaniards——youmusthaveknownalotofthemwhenyouwerewithDonJuanRobinsonandatthecollege——mightbeofserviceingettingatevidence，orsmashingtheirwitnessesifitcomestoafight。Butjustnow，MONEYiseverything。TheymustbeboughtOFFTHELANDifIhavetomortgageitforthepurpose。Thatstrikesyouasaratherheroicremedy，Clarence，eh？"hecontinued，inhisold，half—
banteringattitudetowardsClarence’sinexperiencedyouth，"don’tit？"
ButClarencewasnotthinkingofthat。Anothermoreaudaciousbutequallyyouthfulandenthusiasticideahadtakenpossessionofhismind，andhelayawakehalfthatnightrevolvingit。ItwastruethatitwassomewhatimpracticallymixedwithhisvisionsofMrs。
PeytonandSusy，andevenincludedhispreviousschemeofrelieffortheimprovidentandincorrigibleHooker。Butitgaveawonderfulsincerityandhappinesstohisslumbersthatnight，whichthewiserandelderPeytonmighthaveenvied，andIwotnotwasinthelongrunascorrectandsagaciousasPeyton’ssleeplesscogitations。AndintheearlymorningMr。ClarenceBrant，theyoungcapitalist，satdowntohistraveling—deskandwrotetwoclear—headed，logical，andpracticalbusinessletters，——onetohisbanker，andtheothertohisformerguardian，DonJuanRobinson，ashisfirststepinaresolvethatwas，nevertheless，perhapsaswildlyquixoticandenthusiasticasanydreamhisboyishandunselfishhearthadeverindulged。
Atbreakfast，inthecharmedfreedomofthedomesticcircle，ClarenceforgotSusy’scapriciouscommandsofyesterday，andbegantoaddresshimselftoherinhisoldearnestfashion，untilhewaswarnedbyasignificantknittingoftheyounglady’sbrowsandmonosyllabicresponses。ButinhisyouthfulloyaltytoMrs。Peyton，hewasmorepainedtonoticeSusy’soccasionalunconsciousindifferencetoheradoptedmother’saffectionateexpression，andamoreconsciousdisregardofherwishes。Souneasydidhebecome，inhissensitiveconcernforMrs。Peyton’shalf—concealedmortification，thathegladlyacceptedPeyton’soffertogowithhimtovisitthefarmandcorral。Astheafternoonapproached，withanothertwingeofself—reproach，hewasobligedtoinventsomeexcusetodeclinecertainhospitableplansofMrs。Peyton’sforhisentertainment，andathalfpastthreestolesomewhatguiltily，withhishorse，fromthestables。Buthehadtopassbeforetheouterwallofthegardenandgrille，throughwhichhehadseenMarythedaybefore。Raisinghiseyesmechanically，hewasstartledtoseeMrs。Peytonstandingbehindthegrating，withherabstractedgazefixeduponthewind—tossed，levelgrainbeyondher。Shesmiledasshesawhim，butthereweretracesoftearsinherproud，handsomeeyes。
"Youaregoingtoride？"shesaidpleasantly。
"Y—e—es，"stammeredtheshamefacedClarence。
Sheglancedathimwistfully。
"Youareright。Thegirlshavegoneawaybythemselves。Mr。PeytonhasriddenovertoSantaInezonthisdreadfullandbusiness，andI
supposeyou’dhavefoundhimadullridingcompanion。Itisratherstupidhere。Iquiteenvyyou，Mr。Brant，yourhorseandyourfreedom。"
"But，Mrs。Peyton，"brokeinClarence，impulsively，"youhaveahorse——Isawit，alovelylady’shorse——eatingitsheadoffinthestable。Won’tyouletmerunbackandorderit;andwon’tyou，please，comeoutwithmeforagood，longgallop？"
Hemeantwhathesaid。Hehadspokenquickly，impulsively，butwiththeperfectunderstandinginhisownmindthathispropositionmeantthecompleteabandonmentofhisrendezvouswithSusy。Mrs。Peytonwasastoundedandslightlystirredwithhisearnestness，albeitunawareofallitimplied。
"It’sagreattemptation，Mr。Brant，"shesaid，withaplayfulsmile，whichdazzledClarencewithitsfirstfaintsuggestionofarefinedwoman’scoquetry;"butI’mafraidthatMr。Peytonwouldthinkmegoingmadinmyoldage。No。Goonandenjoyyourgallop，andifyoushouldseethosegiddygirlsanywhere，sendthemhomeearlyforchocolate，beforethecoldwindgetsup。"
Sheturned，wavedherslimwhitehandplayfullyinacknowledgmentofClarence’sbaredhead，andmovedaway。
Forthefirstfewmomentstheyoungmantriedtofindreliefinfuriousriding，andinbullyinghisspiritedhorse。Thenhepulledquicklyup。Whatwashedoing？Whatwashegoingtodo？Whatfoolish，vapiddeceitwasthisthathewasgoingtopracticeuponthatnoble，queenly，confiding，generouswoman？（Hehadalreadyforgottenthatshehadalwaysdistrustedhim。）Whatafoolhewasnottotellherhalf—jokinglythatheexpectedtomeetSusy！Butwouldhehavedaredtotalkhalf—jokinglytosuchawomanonsuchatopic？AndwouldithavebeenhonorablewithoutdisclosingtheWHOLEtruth，——thattheyhadmetsecretlybefore？AndwasitfairtoSusy？——dear，innocent，childishSusy！Yetsomethingmustbedone！
Itwassuchtrivial，purposelessdeceit，afterall;forthisnoblewoman，Mrs。Peyton，sokind，sogentle，wouldneverobjecttohislovingSusyandmarryingher。Andtheywouldalllivehappilytogether;andMrs。Peytonwouldneverbeseparatedfromthem，butalwaysbeamingtenderlyuponthemasshedidjustnowinthegarden。
Yes，hewouldhaveaseriousunderstandingwithSusy，andthatwouldexcusetheclandestinemeetingto—day。
Hisrapidpace，meantime，hadbroughthimtotheimperceptibleinclineoftheterrace，andhewasastonished，inturninginthesaddle，tofindthatthecasa，corral，andoutbuildingshadcompletelyvanished，andthatbehindhimrolledonlythelongseaofgrain，whichseemedtohaveswallowedtheminitsyellowingdepths。
Beforehimlaythewoodedravinethroughwhichthestagecoachpassed，whichwasalsotheentrancetotherancho，andthere，too，probably，wastheturningofwhichSusyhadspoken。Butitwasstillearlyfortherendezvous;indeed，hewasinnohurrytomeetherinhispresentdiscontentedstate，andhemadealistlesscircuitofthefield，inthehopeofdiscoveringthephenomenathathadcausedtherancho’smysteriousdisappearance。Whenhehadfoundthatitwastheeffectofthedifferentlevels，hisattentionwasarrestedbyamultitudeofmovingobjectsinastillmoredistantfield，whichprovedtobeabandofwildhorses。Inandoutamongthem，circlingaimlessly，asitseemedtohim，appearedtwohorsemenapparentlyperformingsomemysticevolution。Toaddtotheirsingularperformance，fromtimetotimeoneoftheflyingherd，drivenbythehorsemenfarbeyondthecircleofitscompanions，droppedsuddenlyandunaccountablyinfullcareer。Thefieldclosedoveritasifithadbeenswallowedup。Inafewmomentsitappearedagain，trottingpeacefullybehinditsformerpursuer。ItwassometimebeforeClarencegraspedthemeaningofthisstrangespectacle。Althoughtheclear，dryatmospheresharplyaccentedthesilhouette—likeoutlinesofthemenandhorses，sogreatwasthedistancethattheslenderforty—footlasso，whichintheskillfulhandsofthehorsemenhadeffectedthesecaptures，wasCOMPLETELY
INVISIBLE！ThehorsemenwerePeyton’svacqueros，makingaselectionfromtheyounghorsesforthemarket。HerememberednowthatPeytonhadtoldhimthathemightbeobligedtoraisemoneybysacrificingsomeofhisstock，andthethoughtbroughtbackClarence’suneasinessasheturnedagaintothetrail。Indeed，hewashardlyintheveinforagentletryst，asheenteredthewoodedravinetoseekthemadronotreewhichwastoserveasaguidetohislady’sbower。
Afewrodsfurther，underthecoolvaultfilledwithwoodlandspicing，hecameuponit。Initssummerharlequindressofscarletandgreen，withhangingbellsofpoly—tintedberries，likesomepersonifiedsylvanFolly，itseemedafittingsymbolofSusy’schildishmasqueradeofpassion。Itsbizarrebeauty，soopposedtothesobergravityofthesedatepinesandhemlocks，madeitanunmistakablelandmark。Herehedismountedandpicketedhishorse。
Andhere，besideit，totheright，ranthelittletrailcrawlingovermossyboulders;anarrowyellowtrackthroughthecarpetofpineneedlesbetweentheclosestfileoftrees;analmostimperceptiblestreakacrosspoolsofchickweedattheirroots，andabrownandraggedswaththroughtheferns。Ashewenton，theanxietyanduneasinessthathadpossessedhimgavewaytoalanguidintoxicationofthesenses;themysteriousseclusionofthesewoodlanddepthsrecoveredtheoldinfluencetheyhadexertedoverhisboyhood。HewasnotreturningtoSusy，asmuchastotheolderloveofhisyouth，ofwhichshewas，perhaps，onlyanincident。Itwasthereforewithanoddboyishthrillagainthat，comingsuddenlyuponalittlehollow，likeadesertednest，wherethelosttrailmadehimhesitate，heheardthecrackleofastarchedskirtbehindhim，wasconsciousofthesubtleodoroffreshlyironedandscentedmuslin，andfeltthegentlepressureofdelicatefingersuponhiseyes。
"Susy！"
"Yousillyboy！Wherewereyoublunderingto？Whydidn’tyoulookaroundyou？"
"IthoughtIwouldhearyourvoices。"
"Whosevoices，idiot？"
"YoursandMary’s，"returnedClarenceinnocently，lookingroundfortheconfidante。
"Oh，indeed！ThenyouwantedtoseeMARY？Well，she’slookingformesomewhere。Perhapsyou’llgoandfindher，orshallI？"
Shewasofferingtopasshimwhenhelaidhishandonherstodetainher。Sheinstantlyevadedit，anddrewherselfuptoherfullheight，incontestablydisplayingthedignityoftheaddedinchestoherskirt。AllthiswascharminglyliketheoldSusy，butitdidnotbidfairtohelphimtoaseriousinterview。And，lookingatthepretty，pink，mockingfacebeforehim，withthewitcheryofthewoodlandstilluponhim，hebegantothinkthathehadbetterputitoff。
"NevermindaboutMary，"hesaidlaughingly。"Butyousaidyouwantedtoseeme，Susy;andhereIam。"
"SaidIwantedtoseeyou？"repeatedSusy，withherblueeyesliftedincelestialscornandwonderment。"SaidIwantedtoseeyou？Areyounotmistaken，Mr。Brant？Really，IimaginedthatyoucameheretoseeME。"
Withherfairheadupturned，andtheleafofherscarletliptemptinglycurledover，Clarencebegantothinkthislatestphaseofherextravagancethemostfascinating。Hedrewnearertoherashesaidgently，"YouknowwhatImean，Susy。Yousaidyesterdayyouweretroubled。Ithoughtyoumighthavesomethingtotellme。"
"IshouldthinkitwasYOUwhomighthavesomethingtotellmeafteralltheseyears，"shesaidpoutingly，yetself—possessed。"ButI
supposeyoucamehereonlytoseeMaryandmother。I’msureyouletthemknowthatplainlyenoughlastevening。"
"Butyousaid"——beganthestupefiedClarence。
"NevermindwhatIsaid。It’salwayswhatIsay，neverwhatYOU
say;andyoudon’tsayanything。"
ThewoodlandinfluencemusthavebeenstillverystronguponClarencethathedidnotdiscoverinallthisthat，whileSusy’sgeneralcapriciousnesswasunchanged，therewasanewandsingularinsincerityinhermanifestacting。Shewaseitherconcealingtheexistenceofsomeotherrealemotion，orassumingonethatwasabsent。Buthedidnotnoticeit，andonlyrepliedtenderly：——
"ButIwanttosayagreatdealtoyou，Susy。IwanttosaythatifyoustillfeelasIdo，andasIhavealwaysfelt，andyouthinkyoucouldbehappyasIwouldbeif——if——wecouldbealwaystogether，weneednotconcealitfromyourmotherandfatheranylonger。Iamoldenoughtospeakformyself，andIammyownmaster。Yourmotherhasbeenverykindtome，——sokindthatitdoesn’tseemquiterighttodeceiveher，——andwhenItellherthatIloveyou，andthatI
wantyoutobemywife，Ibelieveshewillgiveusherblessing。"
Susyutteredastrangelittlelaugh，andwithanassumptionofcoyness，thatwas，however，stillaffected，stoopedtopickafewberriesfromamanzanitabush。
"I’lltellyouwhatshe’llsay，Clarence。She’llsayyou’refrightfullyyoung，andsoyouare！"
Theyoungfellowtriedtoechothelaugh，butfeltasifhehadreceivedablow。Forthefirsttimehewasconsciousofthetruth：
thisgirl，whomhehadfondlyregardedasachild，hadalreadypassedhimintherace;shehadbecomeawomanbeforehewasyetaman，andnowstoodbeforehim，maturerinherknowledge，andolderinherunderstanding，ofherselfandofhim。Thiswasthechangethathadperplexedhim;thiswasthepresencethathadcomebetweenthem，——aSusyhehadneverknownbefore。
Shelaughedathischangedexpression，andthenswungherselfeasilytoasittingpostureonthelowprojectingbranchofahemlock。Theactwasstillgirlish，but，nevertheless，shelookeddownuponhiminasuperior，patronizingway。"Now，Clarence，"shesaid，withahalf—abstractedmanner，"don’tyoubeabigfool！Ifyoutalkthatwaytomother，she’llonlytellyoutowaittwoorthreeyearsuntilyouknowyourownmind，andshe’llpackmeofftothathorridschoolagain，besideswatchingmelikeacateverymomentyouarehere。Ifyouwanttostayhere，andseemesometimeslikethis，you’lljustbehaveasyouhavedone，andsaynothing。Doyousee？Perhapsyoudon’tcaretocome，oraresatisfiedwithMaryandmother。Sayso，then。Goodnessknows，Idon’twanttoforceyoutocomehere。"
ModestandreservedasClarencewasgenerally，Ifearthatbashfulnessofapproachtotheothersexwasnotoneoftheseindications。HewalkeduptoSusywithappallingdirectness，andpassedhisarmaroundherwaist。Shedidnotmove，butremainedlookingathimandhisintrudingarmwithacertaincriticalcuriosity，asifawaitingsomenovelsensation。Atwhichhekissedher。Shethenslowlydisengagedhisarm，andsaid：——
"Really，uponmyword，Clarence，"inperfectlyleveltones，andslippedquietlytotheground。
Heagaincaughtherinhisarms，encirclingherdisarrangedhairandpartoftheberibbonedhathangingoverhershoulder，andremainedforaninstantholdingherthussilentlyandtenderly。Thenshefreedherselfwithanabstractedair，ahalfsmile，andanunchangedcolorexceptwherehersoftcheekhadbeenabradedbyhiscoatcollar。
"You’reabold，rudeboy，Clarence，"shesaid，puttingbackherhairquietly，andstraighteningthebrimofherhat。"Heavenknowswhereyoulearnedmanners！"andthen，fromasaferdistance，withthesamecriticallookinhervioleteyes，"IsupposeyouthinkmotherwouldallowTHATifsheknewit？"
ButClarence，nowcompletelysubjugated，withthememoryofthekissuponhimandaheightenedcolor，protestedthatheonlywantedtomaketheirintercourselessconstrained，andtohavetheirrelations，eventheirengagement，recognizedbyherparents;stillhewouldtakeheradvice。Onlytherewasalwaysthedangerthatiftheywerediscoveredshewouldbesentbacktotheconventallthesame，andhisbanishment，insteadofbeingtheprobationofafewyears，wouldbeaperpetualseparation。
"Wecouldalwaysrunaway，Clarence，"respondedtheyounggirlcalmly。"There’snothingthematterwithTHAT。"
Clarencewasstartled。Theideaofdesolatingthesad，proud，handsomeMrs。Peyton，whomheworshiped，andherkindhusband，whomhewasjustabouttoserve，wassogrotesqueandconfusing，thathesaidhopelessly，"Yes。"
"Ofcourse，"shecontinued，withthesameoddaffectationofcoyness，whichwas，however，distinctlyuncalledfor，assheeyedhimfromunderherbroadhat，"youneedn’tcomewithmeunlessyoulike。Icanrunawaybymyself，——ifIwantto！I’vethoughtofitbefore。Onecan’tstandeverything！"
"But，Susy，"saidClarence，withaswiftremorsefulrecollectionofherconfidenceyesterday，"istherereallyanythingtroublesyou？
Tellme，dear。Whatisit？"
"Oh，nothing——EVERYTHING！It’snouse，——YOUcan’tunderstand！YOU
likeit，Iknowyoudo。Icanseeit;it’syourstyle。Butit’sstupid，it’sawful，Clarence！Withmammasnoopingoveryouandaroundyouallday，withher’dearchild，’’mamma’spet，’and’Whatisit，dear？’and’Tellitalltoyourownmamma，’asifIwould！
And’myownmamma，’indeed！AsifIdidn’tknow，Clarence，thatsheISN’T。Andpapa，caringfornothingbutthishideous，drearyrancho，andthehuge，emptyplains。It’sworsethanschool，forthere，atleast，whenyouwentout，youcouldseesomethingbesidescattleandhorsesandyellow—facedhalf—breeds！Buthere——Lord！
it’sonlyawonderIhaven’trunawaybefore！"
StartledandshockedasClarencewasatthisrevelation，accompaniedasitwasbyahardnessofmannerthatwasnewtohim，theinfluenceoftheyounggirlwasstillsostronguponhimthathetriedtoevadeitasonlyanextravagance，andsaidwithafaintsmile，"Butwherewouldyourunto？"
Shelookedathimcunningly，withherheadononeside，andthensaid：——
"Ihavefriends，and"——
Shehesitated，pursingupherprettylips。
"Andwhat？"
"Relations。"
"Relations？"
"Yes，——anauntbymarriage。ShelivesinSacramento。She’dbeoverjoyedtohavemecometoher。Hersecondhusbandhasatheatrethere。"
"But，Susy，whatdoesMrs。Peytonknowofthis？"
"Nothing。DoyouthinkI’dtellher，andhaveherbuythemupasshehasmyotherrelations？DoyousupposeIdon’tknowthatI’vebeenboughtuplikeanigger？"
Shelookedindignant，compressingherdelicatelittlenostrils，andyet，somehow，Clarencehadthesamesingularimpressionthatshewasonlyacting。
Thecallingofafar—offvoicecamefaintlythroughthewood。
"That’sMary，lookingforme，"saidSusycomposedly。"Youmustgo，now，Clarence。Quick！RememberwhatIsaid，——anddon’tbreatheawordofthis。Good—by。"
ButClarencewasstandingstill，breathless，hopelesslydisturbed，andirresolute。Thenheturnedawaymechanicallytowardsthetrail。
"Well，Clarence？"
Shewaslookingathimhalfreproachfully，halfcoquettishly，withsmiling，partedlips。Hehastenedtoforgethimselfandhistroublesuponthemtwiceandthrice。Thenshequicklydisengagedherself，whispered，"Go，now，"and，asMary’scallwasrepeated，Clarenceheardhervoice，highandclear，answering，"Here，dear，"
ashewasplungingintothethicket。
Hehadscarcelyreachedthemadronotreeagainandremountedhishorse，beforeheheardthesoundofhoofsapproachingfromtheroad。
Inhispresentuneasinesshedidnotcaretobediscoveredsoneartherendezvous，anddrewbackintotheshadowuntilthehorsemanshouldpass。ItwasPeyton，withasomewhatdisturbedface，ridingrapidly。Stilllesswasheinclinedtojoinorimmediatelyfollowhim，buthewasrelievedwhenhishost，insteadoftakingthedirectroadtotherancho，throughthewildoats，turnedoffinthedirectionofthecorral。
AmomentlaterClarencewheeledintothedirectroad，andpresentlyfoundhimselfinthelongafternoonshadowsthroughthethickestofthegrain。Hewasridingslowly，immersedinthought，whenhewassuddenlystartledbyahissingnoiseathisear，andwhatseemedtobetheuncoilingstrokeofaleapingserpentathisside。
Instinctivelyhethrewhimselfforwardonhishorse’sneck，andastheanimalshiedintothegrain，feltthecrawlingscrapeandjerkofahorsehairlariatacrosshisbackanddownhishorse’sflanks。
Hereinedinindignantlyandstoodupinhisstirrups。Nothingwastobeseenabovethelevelofthegrain。Beneathhimthetrailingriatahadasnoiselesslyvanishedasifithadbeenindeedaglidingsnake。Hadhebeenthevictimofapracticaljoke，oroftheblunderofsomestupidvacquero？Forhemadenodoubtthatitwasthelassoofoneoftheperformershehadwatchedthatafternoon。
Buthispreoccupiedminddidnotdwelllonguponit，andbythetimehehadreachedthewalloftheoldgarden，theincidentwasforgotten。
CHAPTERVI。
RelievedofClarenceBrant’sembarrassingpresence，JimHookerdidnot，however，refusetoavailhimselfofthatopportunitytoexpoundtothefarmerandhisfamilytheimmensewealth，influence，andimportanceofthefriendwhohadjustlefthim。AlthoughClarence’splanhadsuggestedreticence，Hookercouldnotforegothepleasureofinformingthemthat"Clar"Branthadjustofferedtolethimintoanextensivelandspeculation。HehadpreviouslydeclinedalargeshareororiginallocationinamineofClarence’s，nowworthamillion，becauseitwasnot"hisstyle。"Butthelandspeculationinacountryofunsettledtitlesandlawlessmen，heneednotremindthem，requiredsomeexperienceofborderwarfare。Hewouldnotsaypositively，althoughheleftthemtodrawtheirownconclusionswithgloomysignificance，thatthiswaswhyClarencehadsoughthim。
Withthisdarksuggestion，hetookleaveofMr。andMrs。HopkinsandtheirdaughterPhoebethenextday，notwithoutsomenaturalhumanemotion，andpeacefullydrovehisteamandwagonintothesettlementofFairPlains。
Hewasnotprepared，however，forasuddenrealizationofhisimaginativeprospects。AfewdaysafterhisarrivalinFairPlains，hereceivedaletterfromClarence，explainingthathehadnottimetoreturntoHookertoconsulthim，buthad，nevertheless，fulfilledhispromise，bytakingadvantageofanopportunityofpurchasingtheSpanish"Sisters’"titletocertainunoccupiedlandsnearthesettlement。AstheselandsinpartjoinedthesectionalreadypreemptedandoccupiedbyHopkins，ClarencethoughtthatJimHookerwouldchoosethatpartforthesakeofhisneighbor’scompany。HeinclosedadraftonSanFrancisco，forasumsufficienttoenableJimtoputupacabinand"stock"theproperty，whichhebeggedhewouldconsiderinthelightofaloan，tobepaidbackininstallments，onlywhenthepropertycouldaffordit。Atthesametime，ifJimwasindifficulty，hewastoinformhim。TheletterclosedwithacharacteristicClarence—likeminglingofenthusiasmandolderwisdom。"Iwishyouluck，Jim，butIseenoreasonwhyyoushouldtrusttoit。Idon’tknowofanythingthatcouldkeepyoufrommakingyourselfindependentofanyone，ifyougotoworkwithaLONGAIManddon’tfritterawayyourchancesonshortones。
IfIwereyou，oldfellow，I’ddropthePlainsandtheIndiansoutofmythoughts，oratleastoutofmyTALK，forawhile;theywon’thelpyouinthelongrun。Thepeoplewhobelieveyouwillbejealousofyou;thosewhodon’t，willlookdownuponyou，andiftheygettoquestioningyourlittleIndianromances，Jim，they’llbeapttoquestionyourcivilizedfacts。Thatwon’thelpyouintheranchingbusinessandthat’syouronlyrealgripnow。"Forthespaceoftwoorthreehoursafterthis，Jimwasreasonablygratefulandevensubdued，——somuchsothathisemployer，towhomheconfidedhisgoodfortune，franklyconfessedthathebelievedhimfromthatunusualfactalone。Unfortunately，neitherthepracticallessonconveyedinthisgrimadmission，northesentimentofgratitude，remainedlongwithJim。Anotherideahadtakenpossessionofhisfancy。Althoughthelandnominatedinhisbillofsalehadbeen，exceptontheoccasionofhisowntemporaryhaltthere，alwaysunoccupied，unsought，andunclaimed，andalthoughhewasamplyprotectedbylegalcertificates，hegravelycollectedaposseofthreeorfouridlersfromFairPlains，armedthemathisownexpense，andinthedeadofnighttookbelligerentandforciblepossessionofthepeacefuldomainwhichtheweakgenerosityandunheroicdollarsofClarencehadpurchasedforhim！Amartialcamp—
firetemperedthechillnightwindstothepulsesoftheinvaders，andenabledthemtosleepontheirarmsinthefieldtheyhadwon。
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