Elsie flushed. She had pictured Clark in her romantic brain, but this trim figure resembled none of her expectations.
"I'm very sorry," he went on quickly, "that urgent business will keep me in the office all afternoon. I've just a few minutes."
"Then we'll be off at once," announced the judge.
"Not at all, if there's anything here to interest you, the place is yours."
Elsie glanced at him curiously. She was conscious both of disappointment and of a certain invitational thrill. His assurance was not just what she had looked for, but yet it stimulated her thought. He was very different from every one else. Decision marked him and a flash that was breathless seemed to reach her. Imagination lay in his quick change of expression and in the depths of the gray eyes. This was the man who dreamed great dreams.
"The next time you are up this way I hope you and your friends will come to the block house." He was looking at her with evident interest. "You may not like it, but, I think you will,—it makes a background for this"; he pointed to the works, "and I find it restful. I live quite alone except for a Japanese cook, and," he added with a laugh, "he's part of the background."
Elsie accepted and, for an instant, caught Clark's full glance. In a fraction of time there passed between them a swift and subconscious exchange of understanding that subsided almost ere it was born. Then he took off his hat and hastened towards his office.
For a little while she did not speak, for she was filled with the perception that between herself and this stranger lay something they held in common. Could it be imagination?
"What do you think of Mr. Belding?" asked the judge reflectively as he stepped round a shattered boulder.
Elsie started. "Why do you ask?"