Woodcutter's Revival by Jerry Slauter Page B

– if she were of that disposition. Raymond believed Mr. Thomas might have been of that disposition, but he did not have any power over Raymond other than to take his job. Victoria had the power to steal his heart.
    He was glad she did not know, at least, she did not appear to him that she knew or even cared what Raymond felt about her. But then, how could she know he was interested? Well, maybe she did not know. Ever since the first meeting, he could not fully compose himself around her. Maybe she did know! That was terrifying! Maybe she was just waiting for the right moment to embarrass him or break his heart. By contrast to his logical thoughts, his inner thoughts still told him he could trust her.
    â€œDid you hear what I said?”
    â€œI am sorry, sir. I was just thinking about what you said.” Raymond fumbled to stall, hoping Mr. Thomas would pick up on the conversation where he had drifted out.
    â€œSo, you like fishing for compliments, eh? I was saying that I was hearing good reports about you.”
    â€œThank you, sir. I hope I am earning the men’s respect.”
    â€œUm, well, yes. Of course they respect you. I think maybe, they may even fear you. They know you can recommend disciplinary actions or even dismissal for me to consider. I am sure they don‘t want to be singled out. A little fear is healthy. You will have an advantage when you have knowledge in an area they don’t have. That way they’ll depend on you more. Knowledge is power! Oh, and be careful about complimenting too much. They’ll get a big head.”
    Victoria brought some food into the dining room. She looked at Mr. Thomas with her head tilted forward and a frown, as she looked through her brow – noticed by Mr. Thomas, yet unperceived by Raymond. Mr. Thomas understood the gesture. “I guess that is enough shop talk. It looks like dinner is about ready.”
    During dinner Victoria seemed to be more polite than usual. She looked Raymond in the eye more deeply and seemed to hold her glances longer when he gazed back at her. Could it be that she might be interested in him, too? There were not many single men in town. She certainly would not be allowed to be attracted to a miner, except for the remote possibility of one who was management. None of them had any education or liked to read. At least they had no time or energy to read after a full day at the mines. Maybe there was a basis for mutual attraction. Raymond could only hope.
    â€œVictoria, I’ve never heard you mention a fiancé or a boyfriend.” Raymond almost felt shocked at himself for finding the courage to utter such a bold inquiry. Mr. Thomas looked up from his eating, glancing, unnoticed, at the two people engaged in the conversation.
    â€œOh, there has been no one of interest to me here and I have been too busy to really think about such a consideration.”
    She commented as if it was the first time she had thought of such an arrangement. After she said this, she gave a glance that conveyed more warmth then he had ever seen from her. Maybe he will always be in Discovery.

    Saturday rolled around. Raymond was up early packing and repacking. He could not sleep from the excitement. Today would be his first train trip. He thought how his clothes took so little room in the leather suit case Mr. Thomas had loaned him. He thought, “How could I get this back to him if I choose to stay in Wellspring?”
    He grabbed the suitcase and headed toward the dining room. He could eat a leisurely breakfast, stop by the office for his paperwork, and walk the two blocks to the depot with plenty of time to spare. As he entered the dining room, he noticed himself looking in the direction of the private dining area. Disappointedly, he acknowledged, “They must be at work already. I’m glad I have to stop by the mine office on my way.”
    Raymond ordered breakfast and drank his coffee. He was excited about the trip and the