She thought Bill was one of the kindest and most disinterested of men.
When she was suitably attired in deep mourning, she was allowed to accompany Bill to the bank, to draw such moneys as were required, but Mrs. Blenners insisted on going with them for propriety's sake. They often, however, managed to get away when she was busy with her household duties, and had many pleasant excursions into the city and suburbs. They were both happy in each other's company.
On one of these excursions, Bill advised her to apply for a lease of the land comprised in the Devil's Punch Bowl, and have it thoroughly worked for the rich gold which was there.
"There is a great fortune lying there, and it's all yours, Mary," he said.
"And what will you do if I apply for the lease?"
"You might make me manager of the mine, if you can trust me," he said.
"Trust you! I would trust you with all I have got."
"If you will trust me with yourself, Mary, that is all I ask. I have loved you ever since I saw your photograph in the tent."