“Oh, so I heard,” said Madeline, slowly, as she watched him.  “Ambrose, do you—­love her?”

He reddened under her clear gaze, dropped his head, and fumbled with his new sombrero, and there was a catch in his breath.  Madeline saw his powerful brown hand tremble.  It affected her strangely that this stalwart cowboy, who could rope and throw and tie a wild steer in less than one minute, should tremble at a mere question.  Suddenly he raised his head, and at the beautiful blase of his eyes Madeline turned her own away.

“Yes, Miss Hammond, I love her,” he said.  “I think I love her in the way you’re askin’ about.  I know the first time I saw her I thought how wonderful it’d be to have a girl like that for my wife.  It’s all been so strange—­her comin’ an’ how she made me feel.  Sure I never knew many girls, and I haven’t seen any girls at all for years.  But when she came!  A girl makes a wonderful difference in a man’s feelin’s and thoughts.  I guess I never had any before.  Leastways, none like I have now.  My—­it—­well, I guess I have a little understandin’ now of Padre Marcos’s blessin’.”

“Ambrose, have you nothing to say to me?” asked Madeline.

“I’m sure sorry I didn’t have time to tell you.  But I was in some hurry.”

“What did you intend to do?  Where were you going when Stillwell found you?”

“We’d just been married.  I hadn’t thought of anything after that.  Suppose I’d have rustled back to my job.  I’ll sure have to work now and save my money.”

“Oh, well, Ambrose, I am glad you realize your responsibilities.  Do you earn enough—­is your pay sufficient to keep a wife?”

“Sure it is!  Why, Miss Hammond, I never before earned half the salary I’m gettin’ now.  It’s some fine to work for you.  I’m goin’ to fire the boys out of my bunk-house and fix it up for Christine and me.  Say, won’t they be jealous?”

“Ambrose, I—­I congratulate you.  I wish you joy,” said Madeline.  “I—­I shall make Christine a little wedding-present.  I want to talk to her for a few moments.  You may go now.”

It would have been impossible for Madeline to say one severe word to that happy cowboy.  She experienced difficulty in hiding her own happiness at the turn of events.  Curiosity and interest mingled with her pleasure when she called to Christine.

“Mrs. Ambrose Mills, please come in.”

No sound came from the other room.

“I should like very much to see the bride,” went on Madeline.

Still there was no stir or reply

“Christine!” called Madeline.