“I've good news for you, little girl,” he said. “Good news at last! Listen, dear; don't cry. There's an end in sight. A man has bought out my shop. The incubus is off--I can _live_ now!” He held his head up in a fine triumph, and she watched him adoringly. “Did you--was it profitable?” she asked. “It's all exchange, and some cash to boot. Just think! You know what I've wanted so long--a ranch. A big one that would keep us all, and let me go on with my work. And, dear--I've got it! It's a big fruit ranch, with its own water--think of that! And a vegetable garden, too, and small fruit, and everything. And, what's better, it's all in good running order, with a competent ranchman, and two Chinese who rent the vegetable part. And there are two houses on it--_two_. One for mother and the girls, and one for us!” Diantha's heart stirred suddenly. “Where is it, dear?” she whispered. He laughed joyfully. “It's _here!”_ he said. “About eight miles or so out, up by the mountains; has a little canyon of its own--its own little stream and reservoir. Oh, my darling! My darling!” They sat in happy silence in the perfumed night. The strong arms were around her, the big shoulder to lean on, the dear voice to call her “little girl.” The year of separation vanished from their thoughts, and the long years of companionship opened bright and glorious before them. “I came this afternoon,” he said at length, “but I saw another man coming. He got here first. I thought--” “Ross! You didn't! And you've left me to go without you all these hours!” “He looked so confident when he went away that I was jealous,” Ross admitted, “furiously jealous. And then your mother was here, and then those cackling girls. I wanted you--alone.” And then he had her, alone, for other quiet, happy moments. She was so glad of him. Her hold upon his hand, upon his coat, was tight. “I don't know how I've lived without you,” she said softly. “Nor I,” said he. “I haven't lived. It isn't life--without you. Well, dearest, it needn't be much longer. We closed the deal this afternoon. I came down here to see the place, and--incidentally--to see you!” More silence. “I shall turn over the store at once. It won't take long to move and settle; there's enough money over to do that. And the ranch pays, Diantha! It really _pays,_ and will carry us all. How long will it take you to get out of this?” “Get out of--what?” she faltered. “Why, the whole abominable business you're so deep in here. Thank God, there's no shadow of need for it any more!” The girl's face went white, but he could not see it. She would not believe him. “Why, dear,” she said, “if your ranch is as near as that it would be perfectly easy for me to come in to the business--with a car. I can afford a car soon.”