Dalton sat smoking, his mind working swiftly. It would be a good thing for Paul to be out of the way for a few days. It would be rather lonely for himself, of course, but there flooded before his mind’s eye a vision of flashing black eyes and curving lips, altogether alluring. There were possibilities in the new situation. “A good idea, Paul,” he said enthusiastically. “I would only hinder you on that trip north. And when you returned we could still do a bit of a shoot, eh?” Long into the night they talked over their new plans, coming at last to the determination that in two days Paul should set off on his northward trip, leaving Dalton to conclude his business with Sleeman alone. They were still lingering over a lazy breakfast when a cheery call from the hill at the rear drew them out of doors, to find Adelina, a radiant vision of picturesque loveliness, superbly mounted and vibrant with life. “Ah! our patient is apparently happily convalescent,” she cried, waving them a salute. “And able to partake of some slight nourishment, as I can testify,” replied Dalton, his eyes glowing with the admiration which he took no pains to conceal. “Then what do you say to a preliminary survey of the beauty spots of our little valley, eh, Paul?” “I am tied up with some matters demanding attention, but if you can take Dalton off my hands I shall be more than grateful,” said Paul. “Ungrateful beast!” said Dalton. “I too have matters of grave importance demanding my instant attention, but I fling them to the winds in the presence of such an opportunity.” “Gratitude is one of the rare virtues, Mr. Dalton,” said Adelina, hardly looking his way. “I can understand Paul’s pre-occupation. But really, Paul, can’t you postpone some of this business for a day at least?” “Awfully sorry, Adelina. As a matter of fact, I am getting ready for a trip to the north to see my brother and sister.” “Your brother and sister? Oh, yes, of course. And where are they?” “Up at Fort Reliance at a mission school. I may bring them back with me.” “Bring them back?” she said, astonished. “What can you do with them here? But that’s none of my business,” she added hurriedly. “You can’t give me—you can’t take this one day off?” She turned her horse about so as to hide her face from Dalton, who moved away to admire the view of the valley, and bent slightly over her saddle toward him. Paul came over to her and, with his hand on her horse’s neck, looked steadily into her eyes. “It is awfully good of you, Adelina,” he said, “but I don’t believe I ought. You know—you see——”