But even this list of perfections failed to arouse any enthusiasm for Jose in Pearl, or to convince her that the proper place for him was not within the sheltering walls of a prison.

“Well, if you don’t care much for Jose, how about Seagreave?” There was a touch of anxiety in his glance as he asked this question.  The jealousy which he could never succeed in overcoming, and yet of which he was continually ashamed, bit like acid into his heart as he thought of Seagreave’s fair youthfulness; the charm of his long, clear, blue eyes; the winning sweetness of his nature.

Pearl drew her brows together a little, her eyes gloomed through her long, silky, black lashes.  “I don’t like queer people,” she said petulantly.  “He always seems to be mooning about something, and most of the time he acts like you weren’t on the earth.”  An expression of surprise and resentment grew upon her face and darkened it.  Then, with a gesture of annoyance, she threw up her head, dismissing the subject from her mind.  A vision of Hanson rose before her and her heart turned to the memory of his ruddy good looks, his gay, bold eyes, his magnetic vitality.

“Say, Bob,” she began, a little hesitatingly, “does that Mrs. Hanson still live around here?”

He nodded.  “I got a letter from her the other day.  She wanted me to attend to a little mining business down in the desert.  She’s pretty shrewd in business, too.”

“Why couldn’t she attend to her own business?” asked Pearl sharply.  “What’s she bothering you, a stranger, for?”

“Because her father died not long ago and she inherited some property and she’s got to go East to see about it.  I shouldn’t wonder if she’s already started.”

She repressed a sudden start and looked quickly at him, but he was gazing out over the ranges and did not see her, which, she reflected, was an excellent thing, considering the wild and daring idea which had flashed across her mind.  If Hanson but knew that his wife had left Colina no power on earth could prevent him from immediately journeying thither.  Should she mention the fact in a letter to her mother?  She debated this for a day or two, the temptation to do so was almost overmastering, but her pride finally triumphed in the struggle, and she left the matter on the knees of the gods.

Yet, in the depths of her wild heart, she knew that he would come, that he must long have awaited just such an opportunity, and she had no doubt that he kept himself informed of the movements of the woman who bore his name.  Her spirits rose in the contemplation of glorious moments when she should live to the full again, when she should feel herself to be as a quickened and soaring flame of passion and intrigue.  And what an opportunity!  Her father was down at the Mont d’Or all day.  Hughie, of course, was about most of the time, but she would not meet Hanson in the cabin, but out in the golden October weather among the pines.  Bob Flick was returning to the desert the next day, so she had nothing to fear from him.