Chapter 2
The Lady's ReflectionsSalomy Jane watched the cavalcade until it had disappeared. Then
she became aware that her brief popularity had passed. Mrs. Red
Pete, in stormy hysterics, had included her in a sweeping
denunciation of the whole universe, possibly for simulating an
emotion in which she herself was deficient. The other women hated
her for her momentary exaltation above them; only the children
still admired her as one who had undoubtedly "canoodled" with a man
"a-going to be hung"—a daring flight beyond their wildest ambition.
Salomy Jane accepted the change with charming unconcern. She
put on her yellow nankeen sunbonnet,—a hideous affair that would
have ruined any other woman, but which only enhanced the piquancy
of her fresh brunette skin,—tied the strings, let
