“Ho! Andy!”
Molly Marton’s call was full of joyous greeting. She had just leapt from her saddle as McFardell appeared in the doorway. Her face was alight and smiling as she gazed into the man’s. She noted his stained, moleskin trousers, belted at the waist. She observed the business-like cotton shirt, with its sleeves rolled up to the elbows. She saw the muscular, sunburnt arms, and drew conclusions that satisfied her.
“Fixing your team for midday?” she said.
McFardell lied without hesitation.
“Sure,” he cried. “They done a big morning. But say, this is just great. I hadn’t thought you’d be along. It’s two weeks since—since—— It’s tough you living so far away, Molly. I sort of count the time between seeing you around.”
A quick flush mounted to the girl’s cheeks, and somehow she found herself interested in the cows feeding their hay down at the corral.
Molly stood with her reins linked over her arm. Her tall, gently rounded figure was full of appeal to the covetous gaze of the man. Her divided skirt was sufficiently attractive and business-like for all it was home-made, and of her own design. Her feet were well shod in soft tan riding-boots that were adequately spurred. Her half-length jacket over a white shirt-waist, and the wide-brimmed prairie hat securely strapped under the coil of hair at the back of her neck, completed a picture that stirred the man and banished the last of his heavy morning mood.
“It’s a real great time when we start seeding,” Molly cried impulsively, with a little laugh of excited spirits. “Doesn’t it make you feel glad? Seeding, I mean. It’s a good time for us folk.” She nodded wisely. “You see, we’re all looking ahead. The sun’s full of promise after winter. The birds an’ things are making ready, too. And the earth. Yes, everything’s just looking ahead. I love seeding. How many acres have you put down?”
McFardell lied again.
“Twenty so far,” he said. Then he reached out to take the reins from her arm. “You’ll stay and eat?” he went on eagerly. “I’ll just fix your mare, and we’ll go right up and eat. The beans are ready, and I’ve a swell piece of imported bacon I brought out from Hartspool last night.”