"How can you love Jack Belllounds?
You were twelve years old when you saw him last.

How can you love him ?" "I don't" replied Columbine.
"Then how could you marry him ?" "I owe dad obedience.

It's his hope that I can steady Jack." "_Steady Jack!_" exclaimed Moore, passionately.

"Why, you girl--you white-faced flower! _You_ with your innocence and sweetness steady that damned pup! My Heavens! He was a gambler and a drunkard.

He--" "Hush!" implored Columbine.
"He cheated at cards," declared the cowboy, with a scorn that placed that vice as utterly base.
"But Jack was only a wild boy," replied Columbine, trying with brave words to champion the son of the man she loved as her father.