me was distressed at ill news
from her parents," Felicie had gone so far as to admit, but the ill news
did not seem to refer to illness, for there had been frequent letters
addressed in Farrell's sprawling fist, or the senora's precise
chirography, and of late these had begun to be supplemented by
telegrams.

In all this fortnight of alternating hope and anxiety Mrs. Ray had, with
proper inquiries, called but twice. She could do no less. She would do
no more. Mrs. Dwight occasionally appeared for an afternoon drive now,
but always with Felicie by her side in the phaeton--never, now that her
husband's guest and wits were gone, with a man. Other companionship
might have been better for her, it was generally suggested, but she
seemed to shrink from the conversation and, possibly, the interrogations
of those of her own sex and social caste.

Great was the surprise, therefore, when a polite and perfumed note came
to the Rays for Miss Priscilla Sanford, and would Miss Sanford do Mrs.
Dwight the great kindness to drive with her that day? Priscilla, who
knew not why, and who would gladly have avoided her, ordinarily, was now
doing universal penance according to her lights, and would have gone
driving with a Jezebel. Priscilla accepted, and Felicie, for the first
time, was left at home.

Sandy Ray's health had been suffering, and Stone saw it, and of his own
motion came over and said he considered it necessary that Mr. Ray should
take exercise. Walking being painful, the colonel said ride, and,
despite his arrest, riding anywhere within five miles' limit of the
flagstaff. Sandy thanked him, but really tried to sulk and stay home,
until the mother's gentle appeal prevailed and he began as the colonel
had suggested. There were men who thought the general would "row" Stone
for such indulgence to a man under serious charges, but Stone said he
knew his business--and the general. He would neither argue nor defend
his position, but he would like to bet two to one the general would
approve. It was rumored the general himself thought of running out to
Minneconjou and perhaps away to Wister and looking into matters along
the lower line, having but recently returned from a look along the
upper. The court had not yet been ordered. It was believed that the
charges might still be withdrawn, so difficult was it to believe Sandy
Ray capable of such a crime. But Ray insisted on trial, said he desired
the most rigid investigation, and could ne