"As a valet? I've never been used to such luxury," he protested, laughing.
She shook her head.
"Not only valet. He will be groom, cook, guide, interpreter and, whether you wish it or not, your chum. Moreover, he will do it all with the face of a clown and the manner of a tricksy monkey. As a panacea for the blues, you will find him invaluable."
There was a little pause. Then she added, with a complete change of tone, "My cousin has spoken of you so often, Mr. Weldon."
"And of you," he returned.
The directness of her answer pleased him.
"Then we ought to start as friends, and not waste time over mere acquaintance."
"I thought there were no acquaintances out here," he answered lightly. "In camp, our first question is: Friend, or foe?"
"In the towns, we have every grade between. Often the same person slides through all the grades in a single day. But you haven't answered me."
His eyes met her eyes frankly.