Clover was honestly delighted to see her two
friends again. And now that Clarence had recovered from his ill-temper,
there was nothing to mar their enjoyment. Geoff's horse had cast a shoe on
the way down, it seemed, and must be taken to the blacksmith's, so they
did not stay very long; but it was arranged that they should come back to
dinner at Mrs. Marsh's.
"What a raving belle you are!" remarked Marian Chase, as the young men
rode away. "Three is a good many at a time, though, isn't it?"
"Three what?"
"Three--hem! leaves--to one Clover!"
"It's the usual allowance, I believe. If there were four, now--"
"Oh, I dare say there will be. They seem to collect round you like wasps
round honey. It's some natural law, I presume,--gravitation or levitation,
which is it?"
"I'm sure I don't know, and don't try to tease me, Poppy. People out here
are so kind that it's enough to spoil anybody."
"Kind, forsooth! Do you consider it all pure kindness? Really, for such a
belle, you're very innocent."
"I wish you wouldn't," protested Clover, laughing and coloring. "I never
was a belle in my life, and that's the second time you've called me that.
Nobody ever said such things to me in Burnet."
"Ah, you had to come to Colorado to find out how attractive you could be.
Burnet must be a very quiet place. Never mind; you sha'n't be teased,
Clover dear. Only don't let this trefoil of yours get to fighting with one
another.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159