Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 82: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

74 ON THE ROAD TO DENVER. Morning at last. The sun brightens up the landscape, and all nature looks joyous. ‘There is an odor of smoke in the air, coming, perhaps, from the burned timber, and this serves to remind Bob that he should be doubly thank- ful that he is alive and in a condition to enjoy the beauties of this fall morning. It was a close call, and he can never forget it, any more than he will be able to get from his mind the image of this wonderful girl who already has such a hold on him. Senator John is outside—whatever his faults may be, tardiness of rising is certainly not among them. So Bob dresses, and looks more critically than usual at his features, for he passed through a severe ordeal on the former day, both in regard to the fire and his meeting one who seems destined to be his fate. Down below, he finds the bright girl who owns this remarkable lodge, whose eccentric whim it is to have a home in the wilderness. Gypsy greets him with a smile and a cheery ‘‘good-morning’’ that gives him a new experience. ‘‘T’ve been waiting for you—there is news,’’ she says, nodding mysteriously. ‘Something has happened since I saw you?”” ‘“VYes—guess what it 1s.”’ ‘‘A bout—ahem !—Josephine?’’ with a cautious look around, to make sure tnat person is not near. ‘‘About Josephine Armitage.’ ‘“Has she—gone ?”’ ‘‘You miserable man, to guess it the first shot.?? ‘‘Well, I remember hearing the tramp of a horse during the night—she went mounted, of course?’ CONNIE LOOKS .E@) im