Fruen's manner was different. She took the letter from him and began studying it herself. Her hand shook a little.
“Well, now about the money,” said the engineer. “Here you are; that's what I make it. I hope you're satisfied all right?”
“Yes, thank you,” said I.
He seemed relieved to find that Captain Falkenberg's letter was only about myself and made no mention of anyone else. And again he tried to soften down my dismissal.
“Well, well,” he said. “But if you should happen to be in these parts any time, you know where to find me. We've all but finished now for this year—there's been too much drought just lately.”
Fruen was still holding the letter. Then I saw she had finished reading, for her eyes never moved; but she stood there, staring at the letter, thinking. What was in her mind, I wondered?
The engineer glanced at her impatiently.
“Are you learning it by heart?” he said, with a half-smile. “Come, dear, he's waiting.”
“Oh, I beg your pardon,” said Fruen quickly. “I forgot.” And she handed me the letter.
“So it seems,” observed the engineer.