“No,” he answered. “Not if you are careful to let him understand that I don't ask you to, but I don't think he can or will do anything for me; still, if you want to see him, if it will be any satisfaction to you, I'm quite willing.”
Virginia saw Benson the next day, for while she had seemed to accept Stephen's decision, she was determined to keep him near her if she could. .
“He is arranging to go West to General Gibbs. I think I told you once of their meeting,” she said to the lawyer.
Benson remembered and smiled. He was rather amused that Lan-dray should have pinned his faith to Gibbs.
“Can nothing be done for him here, Mr. Benson—I mean will you do nothing? Can't you sec him and discuss matters with him?” she asked.
Benson moved impatiently.
“I don't see what I can do for him now, I wish I did, for your sake, Virginia.”
But there was a notable lack of warmth in what he said that did not escape Virginia.
“Tell me,” she said. “How do you feel about General Gibbs?” Benson smiled.
“I've no doubt if Stephen joins him he will help him in every way he can. There are much worse men than Gibbs.”