She knew that Mr.
Brant would not refuse this as a matter of business, nor would that friendship, which she valued so highly, allow him to imperil the possession of the rancho by leaving it at such a moment.

As soon as she had finished the examination of the papers, she would write again.

Her letter seemed to leave him no hope, if, indeed, he had ever indulged in any.

It was the practical kindliness of a woman of business, nothing more.

As to the examination of her husband's papers, that was a natural precaution.