She smiled again, but did not answer him.
“Now you’ll excuse me, won’t you, for I promised to call on father this afternoon?”
“Certainly.” He rose. “How is your father—or haven’t you seen him yet?”
“I called at the jail first thing this morning. He’s very cheerful.”
“That’s good. Well, good-by.”
Old Hosie was reaching for his hat, but just then a firm step sounded on the porch and there was a ring of the bell. Katherine crossed the parlour and swung open the screen. Standing without the door was Bruce, a challenging, defiant look upon his face.
“Why, Mr. Bruce,” she exclaimed, smiling pleasantly. “Won’t you please come in?”
“Thank you,” he said shortly.
He bowed and entered, but stopped short at sight of his uncle.