Stamford yawned frankly.
"Really, Professor, I'm not quite up to that so early in the morning."
"Some day," said Isabel, "Amos will have had his say. And the world will be so still then."
"And so will science, and brilliant conversation——"
"Even our hostess is laughing at you," said Stamford.
"Me?" Mary Aikens was colouring. "I—I like this new life about the ranch. I wish I could keep you all—always."
Isabel leaned over and patted her hand, and a tear was behind the smile. Stamford, uncomfortable at the display of emotion, changed the subject.
"And so you've been exposing your sister to that ford while I was away?"
"My dear fellow," replied the Professor, "when did you come to the conclusion that Isabel was here for someone else's amusement than mine? Of course, Mrs. Aikens, if she can be of real service to you here——"
The door had opened.