Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-11-04
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Private Car.

nee. in the midst of a 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 n 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 Il private
ana very expensive hospital for nearly
thirty years"
This regretfui note in his fathers
voice gave Wayland confidence. His
spirits rose.
Gone. let's adjourn to the parlor
and talk things over at our ease"
They all followed him. and after
showing the mother and daughter TO
their seats near n window. he drew his
father into corner. and In rapid I'M
Iertone related the story OF his first
meeting with Berrie. of his trouble
with young Belden. OF his camping
drip infinitely describing the encounter
On the mountainside and ended 10y say
lnS, with manly directness: Il would
be- up there in the mountains in box
II Herrie had not interviewed. She's a
noble girl. father. ana is foolish enough
70 ike me. ana 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 ewes
explored his sons soul with calm alb
Straction. Send her over TO me-" he
said ut last. Marriage is a serious
matter. | want TO talk with her
alone"
Nayland went back TO the women
with an air OF victory. He wants 10
see you. Berrie. He's mellowing
Don't be afraid of him"
She might have resented the fathers
'ack OF gallantry, but she did not. On
tht contrary. she rose and walked res
o'uiely over to where he sat. quite
ready to defend herself. He did not
rise TO meet her. but she did not count
mat against him. for there was nothing
essentially rude in his manner. He
was merely her elder and inert.
sit down. he said. not unkindIv
want 10 have you tell me about my
son He has been telling me all about
YOU Now. lets have your side of the
story"
she took seat and faced him with
eyes as steady as his own. where
shaii beginT she bluntly challenged
He wants to marry you. Now IL
seems to me that seven weeks is very
snort acquaintance for decision like
that. Are you sure you want him.
Yes, sir; | am Her answer was
most decided
His voice was slightly cynical rs no |
went on. But you were toIerablv
sure about that other fellow-that /
rancher with the fancy name-weren't |
your She flushed at this. but waited
TOT MN 10 go on. Don't you think IL
possible that your fancy for Wayland |
Is also temporary
NO sir" she bravely declared. II
never felt toward any one the way |
10 toward Wayland He's different.
shall never change toward him"
Her tone, her expression of eyes stop.
ped this line of inquiry He took up
another. Now, my dear young lady.
am business man as well AS n fa
her, and the marriage Of my son is y
Neighty matter He is my main de
pendence. ! am hoping to have him
AXE up and carry on my business. To
be quite candid. | didn't expect him
o select his wife from Colorado
'anch. considered him out of tho
hanger zone. | have always under
stood that women were scarce I'm the
Mountains. Now don't misunderstood
ne I'm not one of those fools who
ire always trying 10 marry their som
ma daughters into the ranks OF the
de rich. / don't care hang aboni
ocial position. and I've got none
enough for my son and my sons wife
But he's all fhe boy have. ard dna
want him TO make a mistake"
Neither do l." she answered Simpls
Ter eyes suffused with tears "If
bought ne would be sorry
lie interrupted again. oh Won cam ;
ell that now Any marriage is RISK /
don't say he's making mistake {
electing You. You may bc just a. | ,
woman he Moods Only ! want to tr i
onsulted. want 10 know rolc alou =
on. lie tells re you have taken au
ctive part in the management OF tho q
anch and the forest. Is that true?"
I've always worked with my fa
her-yes. sir
you like that kind OF life?"
81 don't know much about any othc !
ind. Yes. like IT, But I've had
nough Of it. I'm willing 10 change. =.
We'll. how about city life house =,
eeping and all thatT"
so long as I am with Wayland :.
han't mind what ! do or where "
We"
At the same time you figure he's =
Ding TO have a large income. / sup -
ose? He's told you Of his rich father
asn't he?"
Berries tone was n shade resentful s
his insinuation. 'IIe has never said
uch about his family one way or an. 1,
her. He only said you wanted him . {
90 into business I'm Chicago and.l :
lat he wanted TO do something else 5
course ! could see by his ways and e
Ie clothes he wore that he'd been e