Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-02-01
CHAPTER K.
The Departure Of the Fieldinss.


The of the FieIdings.
After such an emotional episode, the
ride home, double, upon Madge's tired
back had a ludicious touch OF anti-cli-
max in ii. But as neither Mrs. Monette
D Mr.. Fielding was humorously in
clined, the fine flavor of the situation
escaped them.
She vaguely, he more definitely, felt
that a crisis had been reached, there by
the gray bowlder, with the clear noon
light revealing their faces to each
other.
With a passionate establishment she
was silently calling herself 'bungler,"
child" "simpleton." If only she could
be assured that he had not heard her
hysterical outcry when she first discov-
cred him in what she had supposed
was an unconscious state! Under no
stress of excitement, she reflected,
mournfully, could Mildred Fielding
have been carried so entirely out of
herself.
THAT of being a lady, a lady
born and bred. She always knows
what is expected of a lady. Will ! ev-
er, ever, come to be like-them!"
He, tingling with annoyance at the
sprained ankle and strained muscles
which entirely incapacitated him from
~aTking the seven miles she had rid
Gen at such mad speed, had adopted the
only alternative and climbed laborous-
ly upon Madge's spine, after her mis-
source OF comfort came from the fact
that no one less distant than the citi-
zens of Mars was at all likely to wit
ne3s his discontinue. He folded his
srms grimly and sat bolt upright be-
hind Harriet, in silent dignity not IN
dashed with sulkiness.
At the first moment of release from
d murderous grip of the foreman, to
ear his name called had given him a
sense Of human nearness and human
sympathy that was clear gain. In the
confused state of his brain and body,
~ had answered with all the little
Rtrength left him and called her to him.
The perils of the situation were not all
behind him at that moment. Should
Rogers insensibility prove to be tenn
pIrary, the Infatuated wretch might
easily return TO the attack and reverse
results. He was conscious of being
thoroughly spent physically. Into this
utzntlt Harriet's voice had brought a
send Of comfort and aid.
But he had gotten back to his nor
NAL attitude now, and the memory Of
that "hysterieal cutlery" was full Of r.
~ritation for him. He had a manly,
realizing sense Of what she had risked
sdr him. 1t gave him a pang of re-
n1orseful regret to think how poor a
return he should eve be able to make
to her. She had rendered il definitely
necessary that he should resign his
position. When and bow were matters
Of details, to be settled later on, but
the going was imperative.
A complication of most unpleasant
dimensions faced him, one feature of
which was If he should resign and
leave the Gulch Immediately on the
heels of this encounter with Rogers it
would he settled conclusively in the
neighborhood that he had been fright
ened away, which would make matters
all the more difficult for whosomever
should undertake the management of
Mrs. Monette's large estate after him.
Upon all these things he was ponder
Ing moodily when Harriet spoke, al
most for the first time since they had
started h~oneward. Il guess we'd bet
Ter leave Madge at the paddock and
walk up TO the house. Then Miss
Fielding will think we left both horses
there ard you won't have to explain
anything tonight"
'kia6iy thought Of" said Fielding.
IN confess I've been casting about fer
a r:arsihle lie. M.lly is a DIR sadeul
lai.i to cftechize."
Harriet laughed with ar exaggerated
n,rth. She was glal to have the tense
situations lightened by any method.
A little later on they walked side by
side up the yard walk-to where Milly
was restlessly pacing the short portico