Mrs. Blake gave him her hand. “You look so strong and hearty!” she remarked. “It speaks well for the fare Miss Knowles provides.”
“Oh, that credit is due our Jap chef,” laughed the girl. “I can cut out a cow from the herd better than I can bone a chop. But the butter and eggs and cream that are awaiting you––Which reminds me that we’ve yet to see It.”
“It?” asked Blake.
“Yes, him––the baby!”
“Oh, you dear girl!” cooed Mrs. Blake. “Come in and see him.”
Isobel followed her into the car. Blake nodded to Ashton. But the younger man shrank away from the door.
“If you’ll kindly excuse me,” he muttered. “It would remind me too much of––the time when––No, I’d rather not.”
“Of course,” assented Blake with ready understanding. “How do you like this country? I went through here once on a railway survey. It’s rare good luck––this chance to visit Miss Knowles. Jenny is a little run down, as you see.”
“I shall trust that her visit to this locality will soon quite restore her,” remarked Ashton.
“It will. The doctors said Maine; I said Colorado. It has done you no end of good. You are looking particularly fine and fit.” 145