"And she married another man. It is remarkably hard to reach a more elevated level alone, and a woman would naturally rather lean on than drag her companion." Urmston's face flushed. "I think I could have been capable of a good deal more than I probably ever shall be now, if you could have trusted me." "Still," said Carrie, with a half-wistful sense of regret she could not wholly drive out, "the time when I might have done so has gone." The man leant forward a trifle nearer her, "Carrie," he said, a trifle hoarsely, "are you happy with this Canadian?" The girl felt her cheeks burn, and was glad that the soft dusk was now creeping into the verandah. "Well," she said, "I am as happy as I deserve to be." Then there was a drumming of hoofs, and she was only pleased when Leland swung himself down, hot and dusty, from the saddle. He came into the verandah, and stood a moment glancing at the stranger. "Mr. Reginald Urmston--an old friend of mine at Barrock-holme," said the girl. "I am not quite sure whether you have ever met my husband before." Leland held out a hard hand, and Carrie was grateful for the swiftness with which he did it. It suggested an unquestioning confidence in her. "Oh, yes," he said, "I remember. Glad to see you, Mr. Urmston. Carrie's friends are always welcome. Hope you'll stay here a month if you feel like it." Mrs. Annersly and Gallwey entered the verandah just then, and, when the others left them shortly afterwards, remained there. Gallwey thought that his companion had something to say to him. Though there was nothing very definite to warrant it, he felt that they were allies. "One could almost fancy that you didn't seem quite pleased with--circumstances," he said. "Well," said Eveline Annersly, "I don't think I am. If that man had fallen out of his waggon and broken his leg before he got here, I almost believe I should have been happier. I do not care in the least whether that is a judicious speech or not." Gallwey grinned. "There are," he said significantly, "a good many badger-holes scattered about the prairie, and the horse that puts its foot in one is apt to come down awkwardly. I wonder if there is anything definite you expect from me?" "I should suggest that you insist upon teaching Urmston farming, and keep him busy at it," said Mrs. Annersly. CHAPTER XVI URMSTON SHOWS HIS PRUDENCE