"I read about it in a New York paper," he answered a trifle sullenly.
"It was sent to me."

She sat with her chin in the palm of one hand, watching him from
beneath the shadow of lowered lashes, but his eyes were bent downward
at his plate.

"Are you through?" he questioned suddenly.

"Yes; this--this awful news has robbed me of all appetite."

Neither had noticed Westcott as he entered the room, but his first
glance about revealed their presence, and without an instant of
hesitancy the big miner crossed the room and approached the table where
the two were sitting.

Beaton, as though anticipating trouble, arose to his feet, but Westcott
merely drew back a vacant chair and seated himself, his eyes ignoring
the presence of the man and seeking the uplifted face of the girl
questioningly.

"I hope I do not interrupt," he said pleasantly. "I had reason to
suppose you were unacquainted with Mr. Beaton here."

"What reason?" her surprised tone slightly indignant.

"I believe the gentleman so informed me. It chanced that we had a
slight controversy last night."

"Over me?"