Nothin' like squaring things to onct, Mr.Barker." As he slipped away, Barker felt his heart sink.

Carter had not only bluntly forestalled him with the news and taken away his excuse for a confidential interview, but had put an ostentatious construction on his visit.

What could she think of him now?
He stood ashamed and embarrassed before her.
But Miss Kitty, far from noticing his embarrassment in a sudden concern regarding the "horrid" untidiness of the room, which made her cheeks quite pink in one spot and obliged her to take up and set down in exactly the same place several articles, was exceedingly delighted.

In fact, she did not remember ever having been so pleased before in her life! These things were always so unexpected! Just like the weather, for instance.

It was quite cool last night--and now it was just stifling.
And so dusty! Had Mr.Barker noticed the heat coming from the Gulch?
Or perhaps, being a rich man, he--with a dazzling smile--was above walking now.