W. C. Tuttle

“ This time Norah could not hold her temper nor her tongue and Joe retreated out of the door.
“You soulless little rat!” she called him. “You are not even half-a-man! In spite of anything she has ever done, Marie Beaudet is many times too good for you! Now get out of here and stay out!”
Norah slammed the door shut, knocking Joe into Dr. Clarey, who was coming up behind him. The doctor grasped Joe to keep him from falling, but Joe, with a snarling curse, tore away from him, went out to his horse and rode away.
Her father opened the door and almost became a victim of Norah’s broom. ”

“ Be sorry for poor Bud Conley.”
“Aye, that’s true. He left a note for Henderson, saying that he was leaving. Things are in a bad shape around here, my dear. The inspector’s face looks like it was petrified, Angus MacPherson is swearing incessantly and old Louie is crying into his beard. Aye, there’s a deal of sorrow.
“And now Joe Burgoyne is blaspheming because you won’t love him,” added the doctor after a moment. “Sure, this sorrow is contagious. There’s no doubt of the truth that single misfortunes never come alone.”
Norah shut her lips tightly and turned back to her sweeping. ”

“ Norah turned quickly on him. “What about Marie Beaudet?”
Joe laughed softly and shook his head. “Marie? Dat is all past. I want to marry good woman—me.”
Norah stared at him for a moment and then pointed toward the door. “Dr. Clarey is down at the store, and I think you had better go down there to see him.”
“I wait here for him,” declared Joe grinning. “I’m more interest in other things jus’ now.” He had failed to note the anger in Norah’s face and voice.
“You’ll not stay here!” Nora’s hands tightened around the broom-handle and her face went a shade whiter. ”