Norah had never liked Joe Burgoyne. There was something snake-like about him. She really hated to see little Marie marry him, and felt a thrill of satisfaction when Joe had refused, although she detested Joe for his decision. He turned and saw her standing in the door. "Ah, I am pleased to see you," he said, and his white teeth flashed in a smile. "I come to see Dr. Clarey." Norah stepped further out onto the porch and glanced down toward the store. "Why, he just went down to Beaudet's," she replied. "Didn't you see him?" Unconsciously she turned and went inside and Joe followed her. Joe's every movement was like that of a panther. Possibly this was an inheritance from his Nez Perce mother. "No, I don't see him down there?" Joe shook his head and sat down in one of the rough rockers, while Norah went on about her house-cleaning. Joe watched her closely, as he said, "You got hair like de shadows in La Clede cliffs." Norah stopped sweeping and looked at him. "What do you mean?" she asked. "You never seen de shadow of La Clede cliffs? De soft black and purple--more like clouds. You got hair like it." Norah snorted visibly and continued sweeping. She did not seem to care for Joe's compliments. "You much sad, eh?" queried Joe softly. "I'm sorry." Norah looked at him, but continued her work. "Your eyes be sad." Joe was very sympathetic now. "You make mistake in one man and now you be very sad, eh?" Norah flushed slightly, but did not reply. "You must not be sad," continued Joe. "Why you don't smile and drive de clouds from your eyes? You are de prettiest girl in de worl', and you must not be sad." It suddenly occurred to Norah that Joe was trying to make love to her, and she was not at all pleased. "You smile at Joe Burgoyne and he feel proud. Maybe I bring you de nice present, eh? I'm like to do dat." "You bring me a present?" Norah turned quickly on him. "What about Marie Beaudet?" Joe laughed softly and shook his head. "Marie? Dat is all past. I want to marry good woman--me." Norah stared at him for a moment and then pointed toward the door. "Dr. Clarey is down at the store, and I think you had better go down there to see him." "I wait here for him," declared Joe grinning. "I'm more interest in other things jus' now." He had failed to note the anger in Norah's face and voice. "You'll not stay here!" Nora's hands tightened around the broom-handle and her face went a shade whiter. Joe glanced quickly at her and got to his feet. "You not mad at me?" Joe spread his hands in a gesture of despair. "_Mon dieu_, I am sorry!" "You had better go now," said Norah coldly. Joe turned toward the door, but did not go out. "You don't like me, eh? I want to be nice to you, but you send me away. Is it because I am quarter-breed? Mebbe you like best de white man, who is de thief? No, I am sorry I say dat, mam'selle--very sorry." Norah had turned away and Joe started to follow her.