Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1915-11-10

ia mother, and how are the girlsr'
CHAPTER XVII.
The Private Car.
- NOE, in the midst Of lame
pursuit Of other topics. the
elder Norcross again fixed his
~ eyes on Berea. saying. II
wish my girls had your weight and
color" He paused moment. then re
sumed with weary infection: Mrs
Norcross has always been delicate. and
all her children-even her son-take
after her, I've maintained private
and very expensive hospital for nearly
thirty years."
This regretful note in his fathers
voice gave Wayland confidence. His
spirits rose.
"Come. let's adjourn to the parlo'
and talk things over at our ease.'
They all followed him. and after
showing the mother and daughter to
their seats near a window, he drew his
father into 4 corner, and in rapid un'
dertone related the story Of his first
meeting with Berrie. Of his trouble
with young Belden,. Of his camping
trip, infinitely describing the encounter
on the mountainside and ended by say.
ing, with manly directness: II would
be up there in the mountains in a box
il Berrie had not interviewed. She's a
noble girl, father, and Is foolish enough
to like me, and I'm going to marry her
and try to make her happy"
The old lumberman, who had listen.
ed intently all through this impassion.
ed story. displayed no sign of surprise
at its closing declaration. but his eyes
explored his sons soul with calm alb.
straction. "Send her over to me-" he
said at last. Marriage is serious
matter I want to talk with her
alone"
WayIand went back to the women
with an air Of victory. HE wants to
see you, Berrie. Hes mellowing.
Don't be afraid Of him.
She might have resented the fathers
lack of gallantry. but she did not On
the contrary. she rose aud walked res
olutely over to where he sat. quite
ready to defend herself. He did not
rise to meet her. but she did not count
that against him, for there was nothing
essentially rude, In his manner. He
was merely her elder and inert.
'Sit down." he said, not unkindly.
II want to have you tell me about my
son. He has been telling me oil about
you. Now. let's have your side of the
story"
She took 4 seat and faced him with
eyes as steady as his own. "Where
shall begin?" she bluntly challenged.
He wants to marry you. Now, it
seems to me that seven weeks is very
short acquaintance for q decision like
that Are you sure you want him?'
Eyes, sir; am" Her answer was
most decided
His voice was slightly cynical as he
went on But you were tolerably
sure about that other fellow-that
rancher with the fancy name-weren't
your She flushed at this, but waited
for him to go on. Don't you think it
possible that your fancy for Wayland
Is also temporary"
mo. STRIP she bravely declared. Il
never felt toward any one the way
do toward Wayland. He's different, l
shall never change toward him."
Her tone. her expression Of eyes STOP
ped this line of inquiry. He took up
another Nov. my dear young lady.
| am a business man as well as IA
Their, and the marriage of my son is a
weighty matter. He is my main de-
pendence. l am hoping to have him
take up and carry on my business. To
be quite candid, I didn't expect him
to select his wife from a Colorado
ranch. considered him out Of the
danger zone. have always under
stood that women were scarce in the
Now don't misunderstood
me. I'm not one of those fools who
are always trying to marry their sons
and daughters into the ranks Of the
idle rich. ! don't care a hang about
social position, and I've got money
enough for my son and my sons wife.
But he's all the boy have. and ! don't
want him to make a mistake"
Neither do l." she answered simply,
her eyes su1used with tears. IF
thought he would be sorry
He interrupted again. "Oh, you can't
tell that now! Any marriage is risk.
| don't say he's making a mistake in
selecting you. You may be just the
woman he needs. Only l want to be
consulted. want to know nore about
you. He tells me you have taken an
active part in the management Of the
ranch and the forest. Is that true?"
"Tve always worked with my ia
ther-yes. SIR"
You like that kind of life?'
II don't know much about any other
kind. Yes. like it. But I've had
enough Of it. I'm willing to change"
"Well, how about city life-house-
keeping and all that?"
$50 long as l am with Wayland |
shan't mind what do or where l
live"
"At the same time you figure he's
going to have large income. l sup
pose? He's told you Of his rich father.
hasn't he2"
Berries tone was a shade resentful
of his insinuation. HE has never said
much about his family one way or an
o%hor uo nnlv cafd vnl wanted him