She drew a long breath now and then like a grieving child.
Life was over for her. She had reached the point where nothing mattered.
She sat there until the sound of bells aroused her. "It's Jim!" she
called, and rose to her feet, her face radiant with relief. Rivers came
rushing up to the door in a two-horse sleigh and leaped out with a shout
of greeting, though he could not see her at the frosted window.
A moment later he burst in, vigorous, smiling, defiant of the cold.
"Hello! All alone? How are you?"
A quick warmth ran through her chilled limbs, and she lifted her hands
to him.
"Oh, Jim, I'm so glad you came!"
"Keep away--I'm all snow," he warningly called, as he threw off his cap
and buffalo coat. "Now come to me," he said, and took her in his arms.
"How are you, sweetheart? I can't kiss you--my mustache is all ice.
Where's Burke?"
"Gone to Craig's."
He winked jovially while pulling the icicles from his long mustache.
"I thought I saw him driving across the ridge. I was on my way to the
store, but when I saw his old rack-a-bone team I turned off to see you.
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