was as well aware of the fact as she was that Ben should have been at the ranch.
With all Bob's apparent lack of earnestness, his careless cynicism, Nan felt that he never would have shown such weakness of character where their future was concerned.
In fact, Bob was a constant surprise to her, and in no way more than in the ease with which he adapted himself to the crude life and surroundings. She enjoyed his companionship more than ever before. There was a completeness about it which was lacking in her association with Ben, because of his entire understanding of her point of view.
His wit was subtle, his reasoning logical—all the advantages of a trained over an untrained mind stood out in glaring contrast.
Bob was arranging with a guide to take him into the mountains and purposely saw little of Nan. He felt as though the ache in his heart were passing endurance, and he wanted to get away. There was no need to thrust his wretchedness in upon Nan's happiness. Thanks to his trained self-repression he was sure she only dimly realized how much he cared, how deeply he was hurt. He was con-
