"Building flumes is evidently more profitable than I thought it was," she said. "Still, you will no doubt make most of those dollars—indirectly?"
Brooke decided that it was advisable to change the subject. "I have," he said, "answered—your—question."
"Then I will do the same. I came here, because one can see the sunset on the snow from this ridge, most prosaically on my feet."
"But from where?" and Brooke's voice was almost sharp.
"From the old ranch house in the valley, of course!"
Brooke made an effort to retain his serenity, but his face grew a trifle grim, and he looked at the girl curiously, with his lips tight set. Then he made a little gesture.
"But that is where Devine lives when he comes here. It's preposterous!" he said.
Barbara felt astonished, though she was very reposeful. "I really don't see why it should be. Mrs. Devine is there. We have to entertain a good deal in the city, and are glad to get away to the mountains for quietness occasionally."
"But what connection can you possibly have with Mrs. Devine?"
"I am," said Barbara, quietly, "merely her sister. I have always lived with her."