you?”

“I reckon I could.” She laughed a little. “Do they ride that way where you come from? It must look right funny. I don’t guess I’d like it.”

“But just try — to please me? Why not?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d rather walk, please, suh. Don’t wait.”

“Then I will walk with you. I may do that, may I not?” He caught the bridle-rein on the saddle, leaving the horse to browse along behind as he would, and walked at her side. She made no further protest, but was silent.

“You don’t object to this, do you?” he insisted.

“It’s pleasanter than being alone, but it’s