II-IX

Meta Beggs saw Gordon at the same
moment; and, without observation on the
part of her escort, beckoned him to her.
She said promptly:

"Mr. Makimmon, please take care of me while
Buckley goes down by those carriages, where we
saw you a little while ago, and gets his share of the
refreshment there. I'm certain that dusty road
made him as dry as possible."

Buckley grinned; such frank feminine acknowledgment
and solicitude for the masculine palate was
rare in Greenstream. "Why, no, Miss Beggs," he
rejoined; "I'm in good shape for a while yet. I
got a flask under the seat of the buggy--"

"I insist on your tending to it at once. I know
just how it is with men -- they have got to have that
little refreshment... don't you call it 'life preserver'?
I'll be right by the counter; if Mr. Makimmon
will be so kind--"

"Well," Buckley agreed, "a drink don't go bad
any time; the road was kind of dusty. If you insist,
Miss Beggs."

[[191]]

p190 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p191w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p192

v?