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Show Nettie, Page 90 the bullseye every time," the Colonel boasted. Nettie was about to ask more about the famous lady when a couple entered the room. The man was tall, dressed in western wear, beardless and with a large, round-brimmed hat in his hand. His eyes were blue and he had a high forehead. Overall he had a kindly expression about him, rather mournful, and quiet, but kind nevertheless. His lady was small and tidy-looking, no great beauty, but dressed stylishly and tastefully, especially to Nettie's eyes, accustomed as she was to the simple workaday costumes worn by Mama and Papa most of the time. Even Mama's and Papa's Sunday clothes were not quite as grand as those worn by the Holms. The Colonel rose once more at Mrs. Holms' entrance and he introduced them to Nettie. "Nettie, my dear I would like you to meet my manager, Tex Holms and his wife, Lydia. Everyone calls her Mrs. Tex, though," the Colonel grinned. "I'm very glad to meet you," Nettie nodded at them both, and then shook Mrs. Tex's hand as she extended it. The tall Mr. Holms nodded in return and smiled a small rather uncertain smile and pulled out a chair for his wife, moved it carefully into position, then sat himself. The steward appeared, the Colonel ordered for all of them and there continued one of the nicest evenings Nettie could ever recall. The conversation was exciting and stimulating to Nettie's young mind. Her feelings of uncertainty and fear dropped away and her natural joy in exciting new experiences bounded to the surface, making her eyes sparkle and her |