“The colonel’s heart has been touched by the sorrow of that beautiful girl,” said Mrs. Lester, and her husband replied:
“Pity begets love, it is said, and I really wish the colonel would care for her, as she is a very superior girl, and, whatever the faults of the brother, she is as pure as snow.”
Of course, all in the fort had come to understand just why Ruth had come, and those who saw her had felt deepest compassion for her. That she was a lady all acknowledged, whatever Silk Lasso Sam might be.
During her stay at Major Lester’s all had discreetly kept away from that officer’s home, well understanding that Miss Arden cared for no visitors, though nearly every lady in the fort left their cards “for Miss Arden,” as an appreciation of her misfortunes, and sympathy in her sorrows.
Nina de Sutro had heard of the coming of this visitor to the doomed man. He had not spoken to her, during their short married life, of having a sister; in fact, he had said nothing to her of his past.
Who then, she wondered, was this beautiful woman, for she did not regard her as really his sister. Not connecting her in any way with Bonnie Belle, she looked upon herself, Bonnie Belle and this stranger as three, perhaps, who held a claim upon the outlaw.
She felt no jealousy of her, for she hated the prisoner too sincerely for that emotion to find lodgment in her heart; but she was anxious to know who she was, and all about her.
She had been told that she was very beautiful. She would see and know for herself, for she said:
“I must see and talk with that woman.”
When Nina de Sutro set out to do anything, she accomplished it. She resolved that she would see Ruth Arden, and have a talk with her.