As West drove up to the house the door opened, and Bess was soon clasped in the arms of his mother. Happily he watched her as she welcomed the sister of his dearest and best friend. “Mrs. West,” said the stranger, “I cannot tell you how happy I am to know you. James has told me so many dear, sweet things of you that somehow it feels as if you were my own mother, and I do need a mother so,” added the girl, with eyes that could not hold back the tears. “God bless you, my dear,” she heard a gentle voice saying. “I, too, need a daughter to fill the place made vacant nearly a year ago.” She lifted the girl’s face tenderly with both her hands, and looking into the clear eyes told her how much she seemed like the daughter who had been lost. “Helen was fair,” she explained. “Her hair was even lighter than yours, dear; she was quite as tall and about your age. She was like her Scotch father, while Henry looks like me.” Bess gently kissed the tear-stained cheek of the tender mother, and pressed her lips against the soft, white hair, as together they went into the house. How cozy everything seemed! The cheerful fire in the grate, the comfortable chairs and couches, the beautiful pictures and rugs, gave everything a ‘homey’ look. Bess was surprised to find such evidences of refinement, wealth and comfort here—away out in Montana and on an Indian Reservation! Her surprises were not to end here, however, for she would soon discover that many, many of the families scattered all over this vast reservation were equally as comfortable and thrifty. Mrs. West led the way to Bess’ room, and telling her that dinner would be ready in a half hour, left her. Little ejaculations of happy surprises escaped the girl as she glanced about the room. Everything was creamy white and pale blue. The large brass bed was draped with soft blue and white, the furniture was white, and several comfortable willow rockers invited to rest. In one corner was a wide couch with numerous pretty cushions. A few choice pictures adorned the walls. Surely, the one who displayed so much taste in fitting up this dainty room must have been used to refinement! It was so different from what she had expected to find. James had told her of it all, and yet she was surprised. She surmised this had been Helen’s room. As she hurried about, getting on her fresh, clean clothes, she continued her appraisal of her room. “I love you already,” she kept saying to herself. During dinner not a word had been said concerning the patient, and Bess was interested in hearing James and Henry discussing the affairs of the ranch—how the wheat was growing, what a wonderful crop of hay was promised, the oats, too, never stood so well before at this time of year; the spring calves were all getting along fine; up to date there had been, as nearly as could be counted, about ninety colts.