But, somehow, it seems to me that she may
have a hankering after you. I don't know why I think so, but if thar
is any understanding between you two I'd take it as a great favor if
you'd let me know it, right now at the start. I'll wish you well--but
I'd like to know it. It's a powerful big thing to me, Westerfelt--the
biggest thing I ever tackled yet."
Westerfelt's face was hard and expressionless. He avoided the lawyer's
searching glance, shrugged his shoulders and smiled coldly.
"I am not engaged to her," he said, doggedly; "as far as I know she is
free to--to choose for herself."
"Ah!" Bates slowly released his chin and caught his breath.
Westerfelt could have struck out the light that sprang into his eyes.
"I hain't seen a bit of evidence in that line, I'll admit," went on
Bates, with a chuckle of relief; "but some of the boys and girls seemed
to think that something might have sprung up between you and her while
you was laid up at the hotel. I reckon I was mistaken, but I thought
she looked cut up considerable when you didn't come to dinner with us
jest now.
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