Mrs. North flounced away a dozen rods in rage. This was
unfortunate for North. It gave them the final attack in detail.
Dick began: "Come along! You know you can advertise for her with a
personal down there and the old woman wouldn't object as long as
you were careful and put in an appearance now and then!"

As Dick limped away, Mr. Carter thought, in confidence, that the
whole matter--even to suit Mr. North's sensitive nature--might be
settled there. "SHE evidently expects you to return. My opinion
is that she never left San Francisco. You can't tell anything
about these women."

With this last sentence on his indifferent ear, James North seemed
to be left free. Maria had rejoined her mother; but as they
crossed the ford, and an intervening sand-hill hid the others from
sight, that piquant young lady suddenly appeared on the hill and
stood before him.

"And you're not coming back?" she said directly.

"No."

"Never?"

"I cannot say."

"Tell me! what is there about some women to make men love them so?"

"Love," replied North, quietly.