“You remember, don't you, that this land is yours? That when Anna married it was agreed that you were to take over this property in lieu of an increased equity which Stephen was to have in the mill and farm? I simply wish to recall this point to your mind so that you will understand why this is a transaction that does not involve Stephen in any way.”
She knew what was in his mind, and said reproachfully:
“You don't like Stephen.”
“No, I don't,” he answered frankly. His tone was one of bitter hostility.
“But why? You always seemed to like him up to the time he enlisted,” said Virginia.
“Didn't that furnish me with sufficient excuse to change in my feelings toward him, what more was needed?” demanded Benson harshly. “He should have remained with you, Virginia, he had no right to enlist; that he did, was sheer wrong-headedness. We quarrelled over that; at least, I told him what I thought of his conduct, and I suppose he was offended by it.”
“But he was carried away by the enthusiasm of those times. He was only a boy—he became involved before he knew what he was doing, and then it was too late to draw back. Remember, he had all a boy's foolish pride,” she urged gently.
“I offered to take his place if he would stay here with you,” said Benson almost roughly. He wanted her to know just what he would have done for her, he was hungry for approval.
“You offered to take his place?” she said in surprise; yet not quite understanding what he meant by this.
“Yes, I was willing to go in his place. Can't you guess what prompted me to make the offer?”