Yielding to
the satanic humor which had received its birth the night before when he
had made his decision to remain at the Lazy Y, he returned Betty's
smile with a derisive grin, walked to the table, pulled out a chair,
and seated himself.
It was a deliberate and premeditated infringement of the proprieties,
and Calumet anticipated a storm of protest from Betty. But when he
looked brazenly at her he saw her regarding him with a direct,
disdainful gaze. He understood. She was surprised and indignant over
the action, possibly shocked over his cool assumption, but she was not
going to lose her composure.
"Well," he said, keenly enjoying the situation and determined to
torment her further, "set down. I reckon we'll grub."
"Thank you," she mocked, with quick sarcasm; "I was wondering whether
you would ask us. Grandpa," she added, turning to Malcolm, "won't you
join us? Mr. Marston has been so polite and thoughtful that we
certainly ought not to refuse his invitation."
She drew out a chair for Malcolm and stood beside it while he shuffled
forward and hesitatingly slipped into it, watching Calumet furtively.
Then she moved quietly and gracefully to another chair, directly
opposite Calumet.
Her sarcasm had no perceptible effect on Calumet. Inwardly he was
intensely satisfied.
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