“You heard what my father said?”
“That applies to next time, not to this.”
“I think it does apply to this time.”
“I can’t see how you’re going to make me take it back. I’m an obstinate man.”
“Just as you like.”
A sudden flush of anger swept her. She caught up the silver and flung it through the open window into the dusty road.
His dark eyes met hers steadily and a dull color burned in his tanned cheeks. Without a word he turned away, and instantly she regretted what she 111 had done. She had insulted him deliberately and put herself in the wrong. At bottom she was a tender-hearted child, even though her father and his friends had always spoiled her, and she could not but reproach herself for the hurt look she had brought into his strong, sad face. He was their enemy, of course, but even enemies have rights.
Morse walked out of the office looking straight before him, his strong back teeth gripped so that the muscles stood out on his salient jaw. Impulsively the girl ran around the counter after him.
He looked up from untying his horse to see her straight and supple figure running toward him. Her eager face was full of contrition and the color of pink rose petals came and went in it.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Morse. I oughtn’t to have done that. I hurt your feelings,” she cried.