"You bring me a present?" Norah turned quickly on him. "What about Marie Beaudet?"
Joe laughed softly and shook his head. "Marie? Dat is all past. I want to marry good woman—me."
Norah stared at him for a moment and then pointed toward the door. "Dr. Clarey is down at the store, and I think you had better go down there to see him."
"I wait here for him," declared Joe grinning. "I'm more interest in other things jus' now." He had failed to note the anger in Norah's face and voice.
"You'll not stay here!" Nora's hands tightened around the broom-handle and her face went a shade whiter.
Joe glanced quickly at her and got to his feet. "You not mad at me?" Joe spread his hands in a gesture of despair. "Mon dieu, I am sorry!"
"You had better go now," said Norah coldly.
Joe turned toward the door, but did not go out.
"You don't like me, eh? I want to be nice to you, but you send me away. Is it because I am quarter-breed? Mebbe you like best de white man, who is de thief? No, I am sorry I say dat, mam'selle—very sorry."
Norah had turned away and Joe started to follow her.