So Angus kept silence, sorely puzzled, and in a few moments she looked him in the face with eyes still misty and a little, tremulous smile.
"Yes, it's everything. I couldn't stand it. Nobody else has really offered to help me. The boys think it's a joke, and Kathleen thinks I'm mildly crazy. And then you, a stranger—"
"I'm not. And I might as well put in my spare time helping you."
"You have no spare time, and I know it. I must pay for what you do."
"All right. I'll send you a bill."
"For a fraction of what the work is worth!" she scoffed. "Not that way, Angus Mackay!"
"Any way you like," Angus said, knowing that he could make it up to her.
"Very well—and thank you. I'll be an independent ranch lady—unless I sell the place."
"Has any one made you an offer?"
"No. I would rather not sell, anyway."