Page:Lost Ecstasy (1927).pdf/29

 going within the radius of the car lamps, voices, greetings, light streaming from the ranch house door. She felt strangely excited and emotional.

"We kept some supper hot, just in case you"

"We've had dinner, thank you."

"Then, if you'll just step in—I don't know where you'd like to put the other lady."

"My maid? I'll look around and see."

There was a narrow porch hung with creepers. The others went in slowly, as people do into strange houses. They passed Kay without seeing her, and she let them go by. Then, still breathless and constrained she went to the steps again, where Tom in the car was leaning back and rolling a cigarette.

"Thanks, very much," she said.

"What for?" he inquired, genuinely surprised.

"For bringing us out."

"And not breaking your neck, eh?"

But he smiled at her, and the smile warmed and even thrilled her.

"Good night, Mr. McNair."

"Good night."

As she turned to go into the house she heard his voice raised outside in the darkness:

"Hey! Some of you roughnecks come and get this baggage. I've been going since five this morning."