“Next month—Mr. Davis—he will take me away—” continued Bess, disconnectedly. Then pulling herself together she told Mrs. West of Mr. Davis’ visit; how he had implored her to end his unhappiness; that he could not go away without her. “I thought it all over as I came riding home. James will not always care to be tied down by an ‘old maid’ sister, as I realize that before very long he and Berenice Morton will be married; and while I know that their home would gladly be shared with me, still I could not forever be an encumbrance. You—little Mother—the only mother I have ever known—I would gladly stay near you—always. But he needs me, too—I have made him care for me, and now can I honestly, honorably, destroy his happiness, or perhaps his life?” Mrs. West listened closely to the serious declaration, then lifting the lovely face with both her hands, she questioned: “Do you love him, Bess?” For an instant the eyelids quavered, then with hesitation Bess replied: “How can I know? He fills me with a strange excitement. It must be love! I do not know.” “Well, my dear—I pray you may be happy. He must convince you that you do love him, that you understand the new and subtle voice in your heart.” “Yes—yes—” came from the girl’s lips in an abstracted tone, while her soft brown eyes sought something in far-off space. She did not hear when Mrs. West again addressed her, and gave a sudden start as one awakened abruptly from slumber when the white-haired woman touched her tenderly. “You did not hear what I told you, dear; I said that I also had a surprise for you. See! Here it is,” as she held up a yellow envelope. “It is a message from your friend, Miss Morton. Fearing it contained some very important news, I took the liberty to read it in case I should need to send a messenger after you to the camp. It came two days ago.” Bess read the telegram eagerly. “Oh, joy! Then she should reach here tomorrow! I wonder if I can ever wait so long!” How she flew about during the early afternoon hours, making preparations for her friend’s reception! Her dainty room, all fresh and clean, was at last given the finishing touches, and she stood back near the doorway with her pretty head perked on one side, like a saucy wren’s, and her hands folded tightly together behind her. A critical eye scanned every article in the room, and as it swept the mirror it caught sight of a very flushed face with a frame of soft, brown hair that had rebelled at longer being confined beneath the little white dust cap. An involuntary laugh escaped from the girl’s lips as she saw the disheveled reflection, but almost instantly her merry countenance changed to an expression of seriousness, as she suddenly remembered that she had promised to give Dave Davis his answer today. Even then she heard some one approach, and running to the open window she looked through the curtain to see who the visitor was.