"You were so long in coming," she replied, now with petulance. "I guess now I don't want you at all."
"Ahuh! That's the reward of people who worry an' work for others. Well, then, I reckon I'll go back an' not give you what I brought."
He made a pretense of leaving, and he put a hand to his pocket as if to insure the safety of some article. Columbine blushed. She held out her hands. She was repentant of her words and curious as to his.
"Why, Ben Wade, I count the minutes before you come," she said. "What'd you bring me?"
"Who's been in here?" he asked, going forward. "That's a poor fire. I'll have to fix it."
"Mrs. Andrews just left. It was good of her to drive up. She came in the sled, she said. Oh, Ben, it's winter. There was snow on my bed when I woke up. I think I am better to-day. Jack hasn't been in here yet!"
At this Wade laughed, and Columbine followed suit.
"Well, you look a little sassy to-day, which I take is a good sign," said Wade. "I've got some news that will come near to makin' you well."
"Oh, tell it quick!" she cried.
"Wils won't lose his leg. It's gettin' well. An' there was a letter from his father, forgivin' him for somethin' he never told me."