Just before the arrival of the Indian courier at the ranch, Mr. Bernard had called to her to accompany him to a favorite retreat of the young girl's upon the bank of the creek, where Herbert had erected a rustic arbor.
The face of the settler was pale and stern, more so than Jennie had ever seen it before, and she wondered why it was so.
"Sit there, Jennie, and hear what I have to say to you," he said, sternly.
She obeyed in silence, dropping upon the rustic seat in the arbor, while he stood in the door, leaning with folded arms against a post.
"Why, father, why do you appear so stern to me? Have I done aught to offend you?" she asked.
"No, but it is the fear that you may do so, that causes me to speak to you now."
"I am ready to listen, father."
"Child, have I not always been a kind father to you?" he said, with sudden emphasis.
"Yes, father, though I could have wished that you would let me show my affection more, and not rebuff me as you have often done."