Mr. Ashe drew the solemn-eyed young girl who had been witnessing Blue Bonnet's little outburst into the circle.
Blue Bonnet turned quickly and put her arms round Carita.
"If Carita dares act like this, I'll exert my authority and spank her," she said, giving that young person a warm hug. "I'm to mother her in every particular. Isn't that right, Uncle Cliff?"
"You are never to forget that you are responsible for her being here, Honey. You must make her happy and set her a good example at all times."
Blue Bonnet's merry laugh brought the smiles back into Uncle Cliff's face.
"I'll try and not lead her into temptation, at any rate."
"That might be a good thing to remember, Blue Bonnet."
"And now, dear," Miss Clyde said, "perhaps you and Carita would better go up to your rooms and get your things out of your trunks. Miss North wanted them emptied as soon as possible, so that they could be taken to the trunk-room."
"All right, Aunt Lucinda. Good-by then—good-by! No, Uncle Cliff, I'm going to be good now. My love to everybody on the ranch—everybody, remember." She continued to wave her good-bys heroically until the corner was turned and Uncle Cliff and Miss Clyde lost to view.
"Now for the unpacking, Carita. Come along. I'll help you first. That's a motherly spirit, I'm sure."