His face crimsoned.

He felt like bolting.
But he managed to grin, though she could see that the grin was forced.
"It's gettin' late, ma'am," he said, as he turned toward his pony.

"I reckon I'll be gettin' back to the Two Diamond." She laughed mockingly as he settled into the saddle.

There was a clatter of hoofs from around the corner of the cabin.
"Wait!" she commanded.

"Ben is coming!" But there was a rush of wind that ruffled her apron, a clatter, and she could hear Mustard's hoofs pounding over the matted mesquite that carpeted the clearing.