Polly ran out on the piazza. She saw the man whom she regarded as her lover's evil genius. As he greeted her ingratiatingly: "Howdy, Miss Polly," she replied sharply:
"You ain't got no invite to this weddin'."
"I come with my friend Bud," he explained, with an elaborate bow.
"I didn't see you, Bud," answered Polly slightly mollified, as she crossed the door-yard to shake hands with her sweetheart. Buck offered her his hand, but she ignored him. McKee shrugged his shoulders, and started for the house.
"Bud, he's some cast down because it's not his weddin'," was McKee's parting shot at the young couple. "I 'low I'll go in and join the boys. Excuse me."
"With pleasure," coldly replied the girl.
The half-breed ignored the sarcasm and, answering innocently, "Much obliged," he entered the house.
Polly turned on Bud, displaying her resentment. "You an' him always kick up the devil when you're together. What did you bring him along fer?" she demanded.
"It's his last chance to see any fun around here; he's leavin' for Texas," explained Bud.
"Fer how long?"