She looked across at him then, but she did not rise. "Come in, certainly, if you wish!" she said.
He came in with the air of one conferring a royal favour. He moved round the table to her side, bent, and lightly kissed her hand.
She suffered him with an enigmatic smile, scarcely pausing in her work.
"And where is the worthy cow-puncher?" he said.
She raised her brows ever so slightly. "Are you speaking of Jake--my husband?"
He smiled briefly, derisively. "Even so. Of Jake--your husband."
She smiled also, but her smile was wholly sweet. "He will be in soon. He has gone round to see that all is well. Sit down, won't you, and wait till he comes?"
"Oh ho!" said Saltash. He sat down facing her, closely watching her every movement with his queer, restless eyes. "Do you think he will be pleased to see me?" he asked.
She glanced at him. "As pleased as I am," she said.
"Are you pleased?" He flung the question as though he scarcely expected an answer.