“What is there to think, Mrs. Landray, but that he is safe and well wherever he is?” he said, after the lapse of a moment. “Oh, I don't know, but why are there no letters? If we could only hear from them!” “The letters will come if you will only have patience,” he said. “Patience!” and she made him a scornful gesture. Benson drew the letter from his pocket. “Of course it was quite unnecessary, and I can only explain it on the score of my sincere regard for Stephen—” he hesitated. “A letter! It is from Stephen!” she cried. “No, I only wish it were; but it is from the commandant at Fort Laramie. I wrote him last month. I thought since we were not hearing from them—my dear Mrs. Landray, you need not be alarmed,” for Virginia had grown white, and had uttered a startled exclamation. “This is the reply to my letter, I received it to-day.” “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?” “Yes, it is quite late.” 0151 She followed him into the hall, eager now to make amends for all her former unkindness. “You have made me very happy, Mr. Benson, and it was so kind of you to come out through all this rain. I don't know how you thought to write! It seems a very natural thing to have done. It's not like hearing from him, but it is such a comfort to know that he was well!” “You will hear from Stephen when he reaches Salt Lake City,” he assured her confidently. “Good-night, Mrs. Landray.” He threw open the door and a sudden gust of mingled rain and wind assailed him. Apparently Virginia did not hear another door that was opened and closed somewhere in the silent house, but Benson did; and he was quite sure he caught the weak fretful cry of a new-born child. A look of sudden intelligence crossed his face; he blushed furiously as he hurried away. “I should have known! Well, I guess I've plenty to learn, and especially about women!” he murmured. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN