"I'm afraid it does."
"I'm sorry. If I wasn't in such desperate need of money——" But she said no more, and he also remained silent for a while. Then:
"I shall write to my attorney to come down," he said soberly. "You had better do the same this evening."
She nodded.
"It's got to be settled, of course," he continued; "because I'm too poor to concede the quarry to you."
"It is that way with me also. I do not like[171] to appear so selfish to you, but what am I to do, Mr. Gray?"
"What am I to do? I honestly believe that I staked the quarry before you did.... And my financial situation does not permit me to relinquish my claim on the quarry."
"What a horrid will that was!" she exclaimed, the quick tears of vexation springing into her brown eyes. "If you knew how hard I've worked, Mr. Gray—all these years having nothing that other girls have—being obliged to work my way through college, and then take a position as governess—and just as it seemed that relief was in sight—you come into sight!—you!—and you even try to take away my little dog—the only thing I—I ever really cared for since I have—have been alone in the world——"
Gray sprang up nervously: "I'm sorry—terribly sorry for you! You may keep the dog anyway."
She had turned away her face sharply as the quick tears started. Now she looked around at him in unfeigned surprise.