The angelus had just rung from the restored chapel, and, mellowed by distance, seemed to Clarence to lend that repose to the wind-swept landscape that it had always lacked.
Suddenly his quick ear detected the sound of wheels in the ruts of the carriage way.

Usually his visitors to the casa came on horseback, and carts and wagons used only the lower road.

As the sound approached nearer, an odd fancy filled his heart with unaccountable pleasure.

Could it be Mrs.Peyton making an unexpected visit to the rancho?
He held his breath.

The vehicle was now rolling on into the patio.