for a moment self-disparaging. Unlike Bob, he never thought of his shortcomings with humility, because he did not see that he had any.
Bob's wider knowledge made Ben petulant, but never envious or regretful that he lacked it. He regarded it as superfluous and unimportant save for the single reason that thereby he claimed a larger share of Nan's conversation.
And Bob bore Ben's surly manner with patience for Nan's sake, and because he wished to learn exactly what manner of man he was to whom Nan might have given what was to him the most precious thing in the world—her love.
"Won't you 'light and rest yoah hat?" inquired Mrs. Blakely affably, as Bob rode up to the stockade where he and Ben had arranged to meet. "Clytie, run open the gate for the gennelman."
"Regina, run open the gate for the gennelman."
"Luna"
Ben rose from the log at the wood-pile
