"I took one or two little worries along, and found another when I got there." Miss Deringham went on with her embroidery for a While, and then glanced at the man again.

"I wonder if any of them were connected with the sale of Townshead's ranch ?" she said.
Alton smiled a little.

"I'm getting kind of afraid of you," he said.
"One of them was." Alice Deringham laughed prettily, and was inwardly contented.

She had been used to influence and admiration, but there was a subtle pleasure in being the recipient of this man's homage, while she surmised that had he not offered her all of it he would not have made the admission concerning Townshead.
"Your recent neighbour is not doing well down there ?" she said.

"I am sorry for Miss Townshead." Alton nodded, and his face was sombre as well as pitiful, "It's very rough on a girl of that kind, and she's true grit right through," he said.