Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1911-01-27

part which troubled her most was her
fathers treachery 10 his neighbors.
That he should fight. that he should
kill men in honorable warfare. she
could understand. but not his recreau-
cy, his desertion of her mother and
herself
She came back TO dwell at last on
the action Of that slim young soldier
who had calmly ridden through the
infuriated mob. She remembered that
she had thrilled even then at the
vague and impersonal power which he
represented. To her childish mind he
seemed to bear charm, like the he
roes of her story bOoks-something
which made him invulnerable.
After long pause Reddeld spoke
again. The memory of your father
will make life for time a bit hard
for you in Roaring Fork. Perhaps
your mothers advice is sound Why
not come to Sulphur City. which is
almost entirely Of the new spiritT'
IF l can get my mother to come.
too, will be glad to do 50. for hate
the Fork. But | will not leave her
there. six and alone"
much depends upon the doctors
examination tomorrow"
They had topped the divide now be-
tween the Fork and Sulphur creek
basin. and the green fields, the alfalfa
meadows and the painted farmhOuses
thickened beneath them. Strange how
significant all these signs were now.
A few days ago they had appeared
doubtful improvements; now they rep
resented the oncoming dominion of the
east. They meant cleanliness and de-
cent speech, good bread and sweet
butter.
Redfield swept through the town.
then turned up the stream directly to-
ward the high wall Of the range which
was ragged and abrupt at this point.
They passed several charming farm
houses, and the western sky grew ever
more glorious with its plum color and
saffron. and the range reasserted its
mastery over the girl. At last they
came to the very jaws of the canyon,
and there, In deep natural grove of
lofty cottonwood trees. Redfeld passed
before a high rustic gate which mark
ed the beginning of his estate. The
driveway was Of gravel. and the inter
mlngling Of transplanted shrubs and
pine trees showed the care Of the pro-
fessional gardener.
The house was far from being a
castle. Indeed, it was very like a
house in Bryn Mawr, except that it
was built entirely of half hewn logs,
with a wide projecting roof. Giant
hydrangeas and other Towering shrubs
bordered the drive, and on the rustic
terrace lady in white was waiting.
Redfeld slowed down and scrambled
ungracefully out But his voice was.
charming as he said: Eleanor, this
is Miss Wetherford She was on the
point of getting the blues. so brought
her away" he explained.
Mrs. Redfield quite as urban as the
house, was slim little woman of DEL
lcate habit, very far from the ordinary
conception of a rancher's wife. Her
manner was politely considerate, but
not heatedly cordial Ghe visitor was
not precisely hers,, and. though she
warmed little after looking into Vir-
ginia's face, she could not by any
stretch of phrase be called cordial.
Are you tired? Would you like to
lie down before dinner?" she asked.
"Oh, no, indeed. Nothing ever tires
me-" Virginia responded. with a smile.
you look like one in perfect health"
continued her hostess in the envious
tone Of one who knew all too well
what Ill health meant LET me show
you to your room"
The house was not precisely the pal
ace the cowboy had reported it to be,
but 1t was charmingly decorated, and
the furnishings were tasteful. To the
girl 1t was as II she had been trans
ported with instant magic from the
horrible little COW town back to the