Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-04-06
CONCLUSION.

In her career as the wife of a west.
efn rancher Eleanor Redfield had been
called upon to entertain many strange
guests. and she made no very deter
mined objection when her husband tel
ephoned that he was bringing Lie as
well as Lee Virginia to stay at Elk
Lodge for few days. The revelation
Of the true relation between the two
women had (as Lie put it, made a
whole lot Of difference" to Mrs. Red
field. 1t naturally cleared the daughter
of some part of her handicap, and it
had also made the mothers attitude
less Objectionable.
She had seen Lie but once, and that
was in the distorting atmosphere of
the restaurant, and she remembered
her only as lumpy, scowling, loud
voiced creature with blowsy hair and
a watchful eye. She was profoundly
surprised, therefore, when Lee Vir-
sad faced elderly woman as her
mother.
"I'm glad to see you, Mrs. Wether-
ford" Eleanor said. with the courtesy
which was instructive with her.
I'm mighty obliged for the chance
to come" replied Lie. 81 told Reddy
Il mean the superyisor-that you
didn't want no old timer like me. but
he said. Come along and Lee she
fixed me out. and here am" She ut
tered this with a touch of her well
known self depreciation, but she was
by no Interpretation sordid or common
Ross had not yet arrived at the cab
in, but Redfield had warned Lee not to
expect him till after dark. He prob
ably slept late, and, besides, there are
always delays on the trail. But don't
worry. Swenson will ride to the top
of the divide with him and If it seems
necessary will come all the way
This feeling of anxiety helped to
steady Lie. and she got through the
meal very well. She was unwontedly
silent and little sad as well as con-
strained. She could see that Lee fitted
| in with these surroundings, that she
was at home with shining silver and
dainty dishes, and she said to herself:
az could have been something like her
IL I'd had any sort of raising, but It's
too late now. But, Lord, wouldn't Ed
like to see her now!'
1t was not yet dark when they came
ont on the veranda to meet the doctor,
who had come to meet Ross, and Lee
anxiety led her to say, Cant we go
nm TO the cabin and wait for him
there?"
81 was about to propose that" re-
plied Redfeld "Shall we Walk"
leo was instant in her desire to be
ofY hut Lie said: II never was much
on foot. and now I'm hoof bound You
30 along, and I'll sit on the porch mere
and watch"
/ so Lee. the doctor and Redfield went
Off together across the meadow 10
ward the little cabin which had been
bu,,t for the workmen while putting
in the dam. 1t was hardly mile
away. and vet it stood at the mouth OF
mighty gorge, out of which the wa
ter sprang white with speed.
But Lee had no mind for the seen
erv. though her eyes were lifted to the
meadows wall, down which the ranger
was expected to ride. 1t looked fright,
fully steep, and whenever she though'
of him descending that trail, worn ant
perhaps i'll, her heart ached with anx
iety. But Redield rambled on com
fortabiy, explaining the situation u
the doctor, who, being most un
imaginative person, appeared TO TAXI
It all as matter of course
At the cabin itself Lee transferred
her interest TO the supper which haf
been prepared for the ranger ana SUI
went about the room trying 10 MAKE
# little more comfortable Tor nm
II was a bare little place haraiy nnof'