He asked her no questions, and only directed his attention to her while she was occupied and had no opportunity to observe his scrutiny.
It seemed to Venters that Lassiter grew more and more absorbed in his study of Bess, and that he lost his coolness in some strange, softening sympathy.

Then, quite abruptly, he arose and announced the necessity for his early departure.

He said good-by to Bess in a voice gentle and somewhat broken, and turned hurriedly away.

Venters accompanied him, and they had traversed the terrace, climbed the weathered slope, and passed under the stone bridge before either spoke again.
Then Lassiter put a great hand on Venters's shoulder and wheeled him to meet a smoldering fire of gray eyes.
"Lassiter, I couldn't tell Jane! I couldn't," burst out Venters, reading his friend's mind.

"I tried.