Silence again.
"Miss Bright," he hesitated. "I believe the world would be beautiful to me anywhere, if you were there."
"You flatter," she said, lifting her hand as if to ward off what might follow.
"No flattery. Since you came, the whole world has seemed beautiful to me."
"I am glad if my coming has improved your vision," she said merrily. "Come, we must hasten, or we'll be late for dinner. You are to dine with us to-night, I believe."
"Yes, Mrs. Clayton was so kind as to invite me."
Again her horse took the lead. Kenneth touched his with the whip, and overtook her. For some distance, the horses were neck and neck. As they came to a steep ascent, they slackened their pace.
Her eyes were sparkling, and she was in excellent spirits.
"If I were a better horsewoman," she said gayly, "I'd challenge you to a race."
"Why not, anyway?" he suggested. "There are no more gulches."