And Ruth wasn't going to lose him.
These hesitations of hers would convey nothing to his youthful masculinity but that she didn't care enough. And his was not the age that appreciates the temporizing half loaf.
So that trip up the mountain meant for them much youthful discussion, much searching of wills and hearts and motives, a threatening gloom upon his part, and a struggling defensiveness upon hers.
Small wonder that Maria Angelina and her companion were not remembered!
It was not until she was at the very top of old Baldy, and again a part of the general group that Ruth had the thought to look about her and recognize her cousin's absence.
"They are taking their time," she remarked to Bob.
"Glad they're enjoying it," he gave back with a disgruntled air that Ruth determinedly ignored.
"I guess Ri-Ri's no good at a climb," she said. "This little old mountain must have got her."
"Oh, Johnny's strong right arm will do the work," he returned indifferently.
"But they ought to be here now. You don't suppose they missed the way?" Mrs. Blair, overhearing, suggested, and turned to look down the steep path that they had come.