“You see, I want to buy Pa and Ma the finest ranch in Montana,” she said at last. “You see, I’ve got lots of money,” she went on, laughing nervously. “At least I shall have. I’m rather selfish, too, because I’m going to live with them, always, you know. And I’d like to live on a ranch. Pa could own it, and you could be foreman and partner. And—and I could be partner too. Quite a business arrangement. Pa and you would work. That’s your share of the capital. I should only find the money, and do nothing. You see? I talked it over with—er—some one, and they said that was quite a business arrangement, and thought I was rather clever.”
Seth removed his pipe and cleared his throat. Rosebud had not dared to look at him while putting forward her scheme. Her heart was beating so loudly, that it seemed to her he must hear it.
“Wal,” he said slowly, “it’s not a bad notion in some ways, Rosie. Ther’s jest the matter o’ myself wrong. I ’lows you’d make a han’some return to Rube an’ Ma. Guess you needn’t to figger on me though. I’ll stand by this old farm. I ken work it single-handed. An’ I kind o’ notion the Injuns around here someways.”
“But we couldn’t do without you.”
Seth shook his head. As she beheld the movement, Rosebud’s lips quivered, and a little impatient 370 frown drew her brows together. She felt like shaking him for his stupidity.
“Well, I’m just going to do it, Seth. And—and I’m sorry I said anything to you about it. I shall buy it for Rube without telling him. And you’ll help me?”
“Sure.”
“Quite sure?”
“Nothin’ more certain.”
The girl’s impatience had passed. A demure smile had replaced the frown, as she stared out at the flaming western sky. Presently she went on with a great assumption of calmness.