Looking up in astonishment, Jane saw before her a handsome youth whose wide Stetson hat was held in one hand. He wore a tan-colored shirt of soft flannel, and his corduroys, of the same shade, were tucked into high, laced boots. Even before she spoke, Jane was conscious that the youth with the clean-shaven face, strong square chin, pleasant mouth, blue eyes with clear, direct gaze was not in the least embarrassed by her presence. He was indeed the kind of a lad she had always met in the homes of her best friends, the kind that Dan was. But that of which she was most conscious was the fact that he was very good looking, and that in his eyes there was an expression of sincere admiration for her. Graciously Jane rose and held out a slim white hand. "We are the Abbotts," she began; then, laughingly confessed that, unfortunately, she was the only one at home, as the others had gone on a hike--she really had not inquired where. The lad did not seem to consider it unfortunate. "Please be seated again, Miss Abbott, and I'll occupy the door-step, if you don't mind. I'd heaps rather meet strangers one by one. It's easier to get acquainted." Then, as he thought of something, he exclaimed: "I hope I have not come over much earlier than I was expected. I hiked all the way. I thought it might be easier to come cross-lots, so to speak, than to ride horseback to Redfords and then up your mountain road." "Was it?" Jane asked, wishing to appear interested. "It was great! I adore mountain climbing, don't you, Miss Abbott?" Then, not waiting for her reply, he continued with boyish enthusiasm: "I tell you, it means a lot to me to have you Abbotts here. I love the West, but I've missed my friends. We'll have great times! How long are you going to stay?" Jane hesitated. She should have replied that she was leaving on Tuesday, but now she was not sure that she wished to go. For a merry half hour these two chattered. The lad seemed to be quite willing to talk of everything but his home, and Jane was too well bred to ask questions. Jean told of his college life, and when she asked if he regretted that his days of study were over, he laughingly declared that they never would be. "Mr. Packard is a great student," he looked up brightly to say, "and our long winter evenings, that some chaps might call dull, are the most interesting I have ever spent. We take one subject after another and go into it thoroughly. We're most interested in experimental inventions and we have rigged up all sorts of labor saving contrivances over on the ranch." Recalling something which for the moment had been forgotten, Jean exclaimed: "Mr. Packard wished me to invite you all to visit us as soon as you are quite settled here."