Then half to herself the
woman murmured, "Yes, you have a heart."
"I beg pardon?"
"Nothing. I'm glad you like her."
"Do you mind if I call her something else than Rosa, just to
myself?"
"Why, she's yours! Don't you like the name?"
"Oh yes! But--see!" Dave laid a finger upon Montrosa's forehead.
"She wears a lone star, and I'd like to call her that--The Lone
Star."
Alaire smiled in tacit assent; then when the two friends had
completely established their intimacy she mounted her own horse
and led the way to the round-up.
Dave's unbounded delight filled the mistress of Las Palmas with
the keenest pleasure. He laughed, he hummed snatches of songs, he
kept up a chatter addressed as much to the mare as to his
companion, and under it Montrosa romped like a tomboy. It was
gratifying to meet with such appreciation as this; Alaire felt
warm and friendly to the whole world, and decided that out of her
abundance she must do more for other people.
Of course Dave had to tell of Don Ricardo's thoughtful gift, and
concluded by saying, "I think this must be my birthday, although
it doesn't fit in with the calendar."
"Don Ricardo has his enemies, but he is a good-hearted old man.
Pages:
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240