“That's what nobody can find out. I told Dan to ask Harley Hennage, but you know how stupid a man is. I don't suppose he even asked.” “Well, all I've got to say, Mrs. Pennycook, is that Donna Corblay's taking a mighty big interest in a man she's never even been introduced to. Still, I'm not surprised at anything she'd do, the stuck-up thing. She just thinks she's it, with her new hats and a different wash-dress every week, and her high an' mighty way of looking at people. She could have been married long ago if she wasn't so stuck-up.” “Oh, nobody's good enough for _her_” sneered Mrs. Pennycook. “If a dook was to ask her she wouldn't have him. She'd sooner make fools of half the married men in town.” “She thinks she's too good for San Pasqual” Miss Pickett supplemented. “I suppose she imagines her grand airs make her a lady,” Mrs. Pennycook deprecated, “but for my part, I think it shows that she's kinder vulgar like.” “Well, what do you think o' last night's performance?” Miss Pickett demanded. “I can't think, dearie” murmured Mrs. Pennycook weakly. “I'm so shocked like. It's hard to believe. I know the girl for a sly, scheming, hoity-toity flirt, but to think that she'd act so low like! Who told _you_ she kissed him?” “Borax O'Rourke.” “He told everybody.” “Well, then, if it's got around, public like, we can't shield her, Miss Pickett, an' I guess it's no use trying. Water will seek its own level, Miss Pickett. You remember her mother. Nobody ever knew a thing about her, an' you remember the talk that used to be goin' around about _her._” “The tree grows as the twig is bent” Miss Pickett murmured. “I'll say this much, though, Miss Pickett” continued Mrs. Pennycook. “You're a woman an' so'm I, an' you know, just as well as I do, that no man or set o' men ever looks twice at any respectable woman that goes right along tendin' to her business. You know that, Miss Pickett. A man's got to have _some_ encouragement.” “Well” Miss Pickett was forced to remark. “I've been postmistress an' assistant postmistress here for fifteen years, an' nobody's ever insulted me, or tried to flirt with me. I can take my oath on that.” “I believe you, Miss Pickett” interrupted Harley P. Hennage serenely. “Even in a tough town like San Pasqual human courage has its limitations.” Miss Pickett flew to the delivery window and looked out. Harley P. was looking in. “Is that so!” sneered Miss Pickett. “Looks like it” retorted the gambler. “You're Exhibit A to prove it, ain't you, Miss Pickett? I hope I see you well, Mrs. Pennycook” he added. “So you're back, are you?” Mrs. Pennycook's voice dripped with sarcasm. “Yes, I've been away three years, but I see time ain't softened the tongues nor sharpened the consciences o' some of my old lady friends. You're out late this afternoon, Mrs. P., with your scandal an' your gossip.” “There ain't no mail for you, Mr. Card Sharp” Miss Pickett informed him acidly.