atory position. He would extract the last penny of
profit and enjoyment from the other's surprise.

The men beyond re-entered the buggy and drove
toward the village.

"What is it?" Meta Beggs asked; "you look
pleased."

"Oh, I fell on a little scheme," he replied evasively;
"a trifle... worth a hundred thousand or
more to me."

Her eyes widened with avidity. "I didn't know
the whole, God forsaken place was worth a thousand,"
she remarked. "A hundred thousand," the
mere repetition of that sum brought a new shine into
her gaze, instinctively drew her closer to Gordon's
side.

"Just that alone would be enough--" she said,
and paused.

He ignored this opening in the anticipated pleasure
of his coming interview with Valentine Simmons.

A palpable annoyance took possession of her at
Gordon's absorption. "It must be near dinner at
Peterman's," she remarked; "on Sunday you've got
to be on time."

In response to her suggestion he turned toward
the road. They walked back silently until they
were opposite the priest's. "I'd better go on alone,"
she decided. Her hands clung to his shoulders and
she sought his lips. "Soon again," she murmured.

[[214]]

p213 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p214w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p215

v?