on was averse, he should not let the subject rest
there. He would consult with others. Mrs. Trent's interests must be
forwarded to the utmost, and no possible chance of her realizing a
fortune lost through any lukewarmness of his own.

Marty duly returned. He brought the expected message from the great
expert, and that gentleman would arrive at Marion by that very
evening's train. He brought, as well, several letters for the ranch
mistress, and these Jessica joyously carried to her as she sat quietly
sewing. Most of them were business communications, which were promptly
read and laid aside, to be answered at once; but there was one which
the mother dropped in her workbasket unopened, though it was the
thickest and plumpest of the lot, and, also, bore the postmark "New
York." In ordinary, all New York mail was the most eagerly read of
all that came; and this fact caused Jessica to exclaim:

"Why, mother, dear! Why don't you read it? Or are you like me when I
have something extra nice for dinner, leaving it to by and by?"

"Yes, darling, I'm leaving it--a while. It will keep. I know what is
in it, or nearly so. It's not the first of the sort has come lately,
and I'll have courage soon."

"Courage, mother? Do you need courage to read your letters? What harm
can come to us now, out of that far away city? My father's name is
cleared, we owe nobody, we--why, we may be going to be very, very
rich, if things turn out as Mr. Ninian thinks they will turn out,
and----Oh, dear! I'm not saying it very clear, only seems to me we
ought to be perfectly, perfectly happy now; and if there's anything
bad in the letter, please give it to me, and let me burn it up right
away."

For answer, the mother caught her daughter close within her arms,
kissed her passionately, and asked:

"Oh, little captain! If you go so far from me, how shall I live?"

"I--go so far--from you!" repeated Lady Jess, in utter astonishment.
"Why, what can you mean?"

Mrs. Trent recovered her composure, even smiled--if not very
gayly--and answered, tenderly: "Whatever come, my sunshine, remember
that, of all things, your mother desires your welfare before her own.
But more than that I cannot tell you now. So, run to Aunt Sally, dear,
and ask if she can be spared from her nursing a few hours. I think one
of the other men will relieve Ephraim, if he is tired, in waiting upon
Antonio. I want she should help me get up an extra fine supper for Mr.
Ninian's friend.