“May I read it?” she asked breathlessly.
“To be sure;” and he handed her the letter.
“Oh, thank you—but why did you not tell me before?” she added reproachfully. She did not wait for him to answer, she was already devouring the letter with eager eyes.
“You see he says he remembers the party perfectly, and he speaks of them as in excellent health. That's very encouraging, is it not?” He had feared she might ask him why he had written to Fort Laramie. His motive he would have found difficult to explain even to himself.
She finished reading the letter. “May I keep it?” she asked.
“Certainly, Mrs. Landray.”
“Oh, Mr. Benson, thank you so much for what you have done!” and she held out her hand.
He had passed into her confidence; and his heart throbbed with a sudden intoxication that was new and strange. But he still feared the questions she might ask, and turned reluctantly to the door.
“I thought the letter very encouraging,” he murmured.
“Must you go?”