Taking stock of it this way caused her further dismay, for she had nothing fit to wear in which either to be married or to take a trip to Denver.

There appeared to be nothing to do but take the rancher's advice, and Columbine set about refurbishing her meager wardrobe.

She sewed all day.
What with self-control and work and the passing of hours, Columbine began to make some approach to tranquillity.

In her simplicity she even began to hope that being good and steadfast and dutiful would earn her a little meed of happiness.

Some haunting doubt of this flashed over her mind like a swift shadow of a black wing, but she dispelled that as she had dispelled the fear and disgust which often rose up in her mind.
To Columbine's surprise and to the rancher's concern the prospective bridegroom did not return from Kremmling on the second day.