“Do you mean to say that Mr. McLean does not care for Miss Peck?”
“I reckon he thinks he does. But there is a mighty wide difference between thinkin' and feelin', ma'am.”
I saw Molly's eyes drop from his, and I saw the rose deepen in her cheeks. But just then a loud voice came from the kitchen.
“You, Lin, if you try any of your foolin' with me, I'll histe yu's over the jiste!”
“All cow-punchers—” I attempted to resume.
“Quit now, Lin McLean,” shouted the voice, “or I'll put yus through that window, and it shut.”
“Well, Miss Peck, I'm gettin' most a full dose o' this treatment. Ever since yu' come I've been doing my best. And yu' just cough in my face. And now I'm going to quit and cough back.”
“Would you enjoy walkin' out till supper, ma'am?” inquired the Virginian as Molly rose. “You was speaking of gathering some flowers yondeh.”
“Why, yes,” said Molly, blithely. “And you'll come?” she added to me.
But I was on the Virginian's side. “I must look after my horse,” said I, and went down to the corral.