It gave her an excuse not to become involved in pre-dinner or after-dinner discussions where Holt was included. She was setting the table when Guy walked in. “Hi. Holt won’t be here for lunch, so there’s no need in setting a place for him,” he informed her. “He won’t be here?” Diana repeated. “Where is he?” “Nashira, the mare, hasn’t come back yet. He and Rube rode out to see if they could find her. He said if he wasn’t back by eleven-thirty not to fix him any lunch.” “Well, lunch is already fixed.” “That’s all right. I’m hungry enough to eat his share.” Guy ignored her ill-tempered answer. He was accustomed to her attitude toward Holt. Guy hadn’t just been making idle conversation when he had declared he was hungry. He didn’t lean back in his chair until he had emptied his place three times. “What have you been doing to acquire such an appetite?” The Major regarded him with amusement. “Working,” was the smiling answer. Guy darted a twinkling glance at Diana before he explained to the older man.
