“Now let me up, Adelina. I’m fit enough,” said Paul, raising himself on his elbow. Adelina put her strong arms under his shoulders and helped him to his feet.
“Come in and rest for a bit, Paul,” she said. “I don’t think you ought to go on. Besides, there is no one at home to look after you.”
But Paul could not bring himself to accept her invitation. Nor would he insult her by seeking to make excuse, for he knew that she knew the reason why he would not enter the Sleeman abode.
“I am quite all right, Adelina, and Dalton and I wish to get settled down in our quarters tonight.”
Adelina made no reply, but she made little effort to hide her disappointment.
“Let me carry the bucket back for you,” said Dalton. “Shall we walk?” he added, taking the bridle of her horse.
“No,” said Adelina. “I hate walking. And you don’t need to come.” But Dalton insisted upon riding home with her.
“Why didn’t you go in with her, Paul?” said Dalton on his return. “She was quite cut up by your refusal, I could see—quite grumpy with me. I was not on her horizon, in fact. Stunning girl she is, old boy. Who is she, anyway?”
“Why, Dalton, I must have had my senses knocked out! That’s Adelina Sleeman.”
“What! Old Sleeman’s daughter? Good Lord, what a beastly fix!”