“But where were you taking the plow?” she asked.

“To the smith’s; one of the free preemptors has a forge some distance off, and if I’m lucky, I may find him at home.”

“You won’t find him at home if you stop here.”

“That’s obvious,” said Charnock.  “Still, you see, the plow’s too heavy for me to lift out.  Unless I do get it out, I can’t try to put the wheel right.”

“Then why not take it to pieces?”

“The trouble is you need a bent spanner to get at some of the bolts.”

“They give you spanners with the plows, and there’s a box on the frame to put them in.  I’ve seen Stephen use the things.”

“Just so,” Charnock agreed.  “Stephen’s methodical, but when I want my spanner it isn’t in the box.”

“You never were very careful,” Helen remarked.

“I don’t know if there’s much comfort in feeling that I’ve paid for my neglect.”

Helen smiled; she was not going to be sentimental.  “If you mean that you lost the spanner, you don’t seem to have suffered much.  I think you were asleep when I rode up.  But I was surprised to hear you had begun to farm again.  Do you like it?  And how are you getting on?”

“I like a number of things better, but that’s not allowed to make much difference.  Sadie has decided that farming is good for me.  However, I am making some progress, though as you know my temperament, I’ll admit that I’m being firmly helped along.”

There was silence for a few moments and Helen pondered.  Bob had generally been tactful and she thought his humor was rather brave.  He, no doubt, imagined she would soon learn all about his affairs and meant to make the best of things.

In the meantime, Charnock quietly studied her.  She looked very fresh and prettier than he thought.  Although she had not ridden much in England, he noted the grace and confidence with which she managed the spirited range horse.  For all that, he was rather surprised by his sensations.  He had expected to feel some embarrassment and sentimental tenderness when they met, but she left him cold; his pulse had not quickened a beat.  Still it would be good for Sadie to know Helen, who could teach her much, and she unconsciously gave him a lead.

“Well,” she said, “I must get home.  I shall, no doubt, see you now and then.”

“Not often, if you leave it to accident,” he replied with a smile.  “If you like to arrange the thing, there’s a nice point of etiquette.  You occupied your homestead before we came to ours, but you see we were on the prairie first.  Anyhow, I’d be glad if you will let me bring Sadie over.”

Helen thought he was going too far.  She did not want to arrange for a meeting and would sooner not receive his wife.  After all, the girl had supplanted her.  Still she was curious and could not refuse.

“I’m often busy and daresay Mrs. Charnock is, while Stephen does not stop work until late.  However, if you like to take your chance——­”