She stared at the contents for a long moment, unable to decide on any one thing. It suddenly seemed like such a bother, and she finally settled on a package of hot-dogs, even though she had bought them with a picnic in mind. They were the easiest thing to fix; and if they went on a picnic, she could always buy more. When Rick came back she could boil them in a few minutes, and there wouldn't be much to clean up either.

Leaving the package by the sink, she took a deep breath and walked into the living room. The cabin was small and furnished with the barest essentials, but it had a quality of rustic coziness that was irresistible. The walls and open rafters were of redwood, and the plank floor creaked as she walked, but it was not artificial and that seemed important.

The furnishing of the living room consisted of a table with benches worn smooth by use, one overstuffed chair with lamp and side table, the day-bed with rough-finished coffee table in front, and a floor lamp by the larger table. In the corner, dominating the room, was a massive stone fireplace, and she noticed that wood had been stacked just waiting to be lit.

The idea of having a roaring fire going when Rick returned seemed nice, and it even occurred to her that they could cook the hot-dogs over it. It would be like a picnic in the living room, so she walked back to the kitchen to find some matches. In a few minutes a bright fire was burning hotly in the fireplace, and she stood back staring at her handiwork while feeling its warmth penetrate her clothes. The flames were too high for cooking hot-dogs, but she figured it would be just right in the short time Rick was due to return.

She watched the fire a few moments longer, thinking how nice it would be to sleep in front of the fireplace, and then she decided she should get busy with her unpacking. Rick had left her suitcase in the bedroom, and she lifted it onto the bed, the only other furniture in the small room being a chest of drawers.