[Good-humouredly.] Thank you.

Norah.

Look at your hands. It gives me goose-flesh when you touch me.

Taylor.

Cutting down trees, diggin’, looking after horses, don’t leave them very white and smooth.

Norah.

Let me go. Let me go.

[Taylor changes his manner, which has been quite good-humoured, and speaks more sharply and with a certain stern force.]

Taylor.

See here, my girl—you was educated like a lady and spent your life doing nothing—a lady’s companion, wasn’t you—taking a little dawg out for a walk of a morning and combing out his pretty little coat? And you look upon yourself as a darned sight better than me. I never had no schooling, and it’s a hell of a job for me to write a letter, but since I was so high I’ve earned my living. I guess I’ve been all over this country. I’ve been a trapper and I’ve worked on the railroad, and for two years I’ve been a freighter. I guess I’ve done pretty near everything but serve in a store. Now you just get busy and forget all the nonsense you’ve got in your head. You’re nothing but an ignorant woman and I’m your master. I’m going to do what I like with you, and if you don’t submit willingly, by God I’ll take you as the trappers in the old days used to take the squaws.