This country ain't easy on a woman when once slander has marked her.
"What do I care for the talk down in that Basin ?" returned Ellen.

"I know they think I'm a hussy.

I've let them think it.

I've helped them to." "You're wrong, child," said Sprague, earnestly.

"Pride an' temper! You must never let anyone think bad of you, much less help them to." "I hate everybody down there," cried Ellen, passionately.