Page:BM Bower - Her Prairie Knight.djvu/63

 Redmond. "Milord almost fell out of the saddle when you fired that at him. Where did you pick it up?"

"I've heard you say it a dozen times since I came. And I don't care if he is shocked—I wanted him to be. He needn't be such a perfect bear; and I know mama and Miss Hayes don't expect him to lunch, without us. He just did it to be spiteful."

"Jerusalem, Trix! A little while ago you said he was a dear! You shouldn't snub him, if you want him to be nice to you."

"I don't want him to be nice," flared Beatrice, "I don't care how he acts. Only, I must say, ill-humor doesn't become him. Not that it matters, however."

"Well, I guess we can get along without him, if he won't honor us with his company. Here comes Keith. Brace up, sis, and be pleasant"

Beatrice glanced casually at the galloping figure of Dick's neighbor, and frowned.

"You mustn't flirt with Keith," Dick admonished gravely. "He's a good fellow, and as square a man as I know; but you ought to know he's got the reputation of being a hard man to down. Lots of girls have tried to flirt and make a fool of him, 61