He tried to think what this ride would be if another woman he knew were riding on that horse ahead, but there was very small satisfaction in that.

In the first place, it was highly improbable, and the young man was of an intensely practical turn of mind.

It was impossible to imagine the haughty beauty in a brown calico riding a high-spirited horse of the wilds.

There was but one parallel.

If she had been there, she would, in her present state of mind, likely be riding imperiously and indifferently ahead instead of by his side where he wanted her.