"I can only say this. I have met a few men one could look up to—after all, there are good people in the world—but I haven't yet come across one who showed more tact and considerate thoughtfulness than Maverick Thorne."
Florence was evidently amused at this—indeed, to be sardonically amused at something seemed her favorite pose.
"I shouldn't like to disturb that kind of optimism—and here he is; I'll leave you to talk to him. As it happens, Elcot looks rather grumpy, and the mail-carrier has just brought out a sheaf of my bills from Winnipeg which he hasn't seen yet."
She sailed away with a rustle of elaborate draperies, and Thorne sat down.
"I'm going on to the bluff in half an hour," he informed her.
Alison was conscious of a certain hesitation, but there was something to be said.
"How much do I owe you?" she asked.
"Half a dollar."
"Why didn't you say four or five dollars?"