But the other’s face was cold, and he shook his head.
“I’m not going to talk this scandal,” he said. “You’ve no right to feel like that––yet.” And his words were an admission of his own feelings on the subject.
Peter’s eyes wandered thoughtfully from his friend to the book shelves; and after a moment the other stirred impatiently. Then his eyes came back to Jim’s face. He watched the passionate straining in them, that told of the spirit working within. Nor could he help thinking what a difference there might have been had Eve only married this man.
“You better go back to the ranch,” he said presently.
But the light that suddenly leaped to Jim’s eyes gave him answer without the words which followed swiftly.
“I can’t,” he cried. “I can’t without seeing her, and learning the truth from her own lips.”
“That you’ll never do, boy, if I know Eve.”
But Jim became obstinate.
“I’ll try,” he declared, with an ugly threat in his passionate eyes. “And if it’s Will––if he’s–––”