“Yes, that’s more interesting,” he remarked, with an accent of irony that escaped her.

He was curious to learn what this talk was leading to.  His curiosity outweighed the irritation he felt at her calm ignoring of the past weeks, at her complacent assumption of his love, at the kiss and the caress she had bestowed, indeed, at her very presence in the room.

“Tell me everything about your work and about yourself,” she said, folding her hands and gazing up at him.  “I’m so impatient to hear.”

“Nothing worth relating has occurred,” he replied.

“You’ve been well?”

“Oh, quite.  This is a regular health resort.”

“And you’re not working too hard?”

“For a whole week I scarcely stirred from the stove,” said he.

“I’m so glad.  You had earned a rest.  You don’t seem worried about anything, either.”

“Worried?” His intonation was that of surprise.  Then he added, as if by after-thought, “Oh, no.”

“How relieved I am!  I feared you might be worrying your head off about difficulties—­cold weather, the time limit set, perhaps money matters.  I gained the impression somewhere that you might run short before you finished; I can’t just say where I got it.  From Imo, perhaps.  Nothing definite, you know.  But it’s so nice to know that you’re no longer anxious.  That means you’re sure you’ll build the ditch.  How much more is there to do?”

“You can see the north camp out of that window.”

Ruth rose and went to the window indicated, where she stood surveying the men and teams at work beyond the camp and the stretch of sagebrush extending to the white specks of tents in the distance.

“That’s all that’s left to do, Lee?”

“That’s all.  Three miles.”

“Charlie Menocal hasn’t said anything about it lately.”

“Knowing Charlie, I’m amazed,” he commented.

Ruth resumed her seat and proceeded to toast her toes anew.  Her glances from time to time were directed at Lee’s countenance somewhat speculatively.  Several times she smoothed her dress with slow attention.  Lee continued his deliberate smoking.

“Well, it’s a great comfort to know that you’re well and that everything is proceeding so brightly,” she stated, at length.  “You must take time to run down and see me, now that I’m back.  I’m not going to be satisfied with anything less than almost every evening with you.  Bring along one of those nice engineer boys for Imogene while we talk.”

Lee gave a shake of his head.

“Don’t count on me,” he said.  “We’re doing night work as well as day.  We’re near the end.  Have to push the job.  Little time to spare.”  He jerked the phrases forth shortly, one after another.