She imagined that he regretted what this visiting cavalcade of horsemen meant--they had come to take her to her ranch in Pine.

Helen's heart suddenly began to beat fast, but thickly, as if muffled within her breast.
"Hurry now, girls," called Dale.
Bo was already out, kneeling on the flat stone at the little brook, splashing water in a great hurry.

Helen's hands trembled so that she could scarcely lace her boots or brush her hair, and she was long behind Bo in making herself presentable.

When Helen stepped out, a short, powerfully built man in coarse garb and heavy boots stood holding Bo's hands.
"Wal, wal! You favor the Rayners," he was saying, "I remember your dad, an' a fine feller he was." Beside them stood Dale and Roy, and beyond was a group of horses and riders.
"Uncle, here comes Nell," said Bo, softly.
"Aw!" The old cattle-man breathed hard as he turned.
Helen hurried.

She had not expected to remember this uncle, but one look into the brown, beaming face, with the blue eyes flashing, yet sad, and she recognized him, at the same instant recalling her mother.
He held out his arms to receive her.
"Nell Auchincloss all over again!" he exclaimed, in deep voice, as he kissed her.