"... Where love reigns, disturbing Jealousy
Doth call himself Affection's sentinel."
But as there did not happen to be a second possible candidate for Mary's favours at present on the Ranch, there was an entire absence of employment for such a guard. That was a foe of whom he had no dread.
The week prior to the coming wedding, Mrs. Ranger had determined to spend a day in town, making some necessary purchases; Tom was accordingly ordered to have the buggy ready early on the day the farmer had agreed to drive her in.
When Barton heard this, he thought he saw the opportunity offering he had been waiting for. Leaving the fields sooner than usual, he marched straight up to the house, where he had the good fortune to find Mary seated alone.
"At last, Mary!" he said.
"What's at last?" she asked quite innocently.
"Why, do you know how hard I've tried to see you, and what a many times you have refused me."
"Well, why keep on coming? I'm sure I never asked you to."
"You know why, Mary."
"You seem in a dreadful hurry," she added sharply.