Protected by his great coat she was entirely unhurt, both in person and in dress and she found herself laughing immoderately as he helped her up; but he was prostrate in his contrition.
"I'm the stupidest hill billy in Casper County," he said. "I'd like to kick myself. Are you sure you aren't hurt?"
"Of course, I'm not! The snow is as soft as a pillow. Don't mind, please, Mr. Brown, we've had such fun."
"Have you? I have, but I wouldn't have dumped you out that way, not for a hundred dollars."
"You could have done it for five cents."
The snow was brushed from her dress and she was standing, her muff pulled over her arm, settling her hat in place.
"It's not quite straight," he said and moved as though to put it right for her.
She drew back, indignant. Was he going to be fresh and spoil everything after their jolly time together?
"Excuse me!" he grew red with embarrassment. Here was a girl with whom evidently he must never practise the code of manners agreeable to the girls at his own home. He added somewhat lamely, "It's all right now."
"I'm glad," she was her shyest self again; "and now good-by."