When Venters returns from hunting, Bess is sitting up in bed and wants to be lifted down. What does this moment signify in their relationship? How are they judging each other at this point in the story?

Bess sitting up in bed and wanting to be lifted down signifies a moment of trust in their relationship. Venters knows that Bess is the Masked Rider and wonders what her relationship with Oldring is, and Bess wonders why this man who shot her wants her to live. They don't trust each other yet, and Venters lifting her from her bed signifies the first moment of trust.