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

that he wanted TO do something else.
OF course could see by his ways and
the clothes he wore that he'd been
brought up in what we'd call luxury.
but we never inquired into his affairs"
"And you didn't care?"
"Well, not that exactly. But money
don't count FOR as much with us in
the valley as 1t does in the east. Way.
land seemed so kind Of sick and lone
some, and l felt sorry for him the first
time I saw him. l felt like mothering
him. And then his way of talking. Of
looking ut things, was so new and
beautiful to me l couldn't help caring
for him. ! had never met any one like
him. thought he was Hunger
"A what?''
"A consumptive. That is, l did at
first And it. bothered me. 1t seemed
terrible that any one so fine should
be condemned like that. and so did
all could to help him. to make him
happy. 1 thought he hadn't long to
live. Everything he said and did was
wonderful to me. like poetry and lnu.
sic. And then when he began to grow
stronger and I saw that he was going
to get well, and Cliff went on the
rampage and showed the yellow streak
and gave him back his ring-I didn't
know even then how much Wayland
meant to me. But OH our trip over the
range I understood. He meant every
thing to me. He made Cliff seem like
a savage, and wanted him to know
1t. I'm not ashamed Of loving him. ]
want to make him happy, and If he
wishes me to be his wife I'll 60 any
where he says-only 1 think he should
stay out here till he gets entirely WE'LL"
The old mans eyes softened during
her plea, and at its close slight smile
moved the corners Of his mouth.
"You've thought it all out, see. Your
mind is clear and your conscience easy.
Well, like your spirit l guess he's
right. The decision is up to you. But
II he takes you and stays in Colorado
he can't expect me to share the profits
Of my business with him. can he!
He'll have to make his own way" He
rose and held out his hand. However.
I'm persuaded he's in good hands,"
She took his hand, not knowing just,
what to reply. He examined her fin
gers with intent gaze.
II didn't know any woman could
have such a grip" He thoughtfully
took her bit:eps In his left hand. You
are magnificent" Then in ironical pro-
test he added: GOOD God, no! l can't
have you come into my family. You'd
make caricatures of my wife and
daughters. Are all the girls out in the
valley like you?"
She laughed. mo. Most Of them
pride themselves on not being horse
women. Mighty few Of 'em ever ride
a horse. I'm kind Of a tomboy to
them" ~
I'm sorry to hear that It's the same
old story. suppose they'd all like to
live in the city and wear low necked
gowns aud high heeled shoes. No.
can't consent to your marriage with
my son. l must save you from corrup-
ton. Go back to the ranch. l can see
already signs Of your deterioration.
Except for your color and that grip
you look like upper Broadway"
She flushed redly, conscious of her
new corset, her silk stockings and her
pinching shoes. Its all on the out
side," she declared. "Under this tog.
gerry I'm the same old trailer. 1t don't
take long to get rid of these things.
I'm just playing a part today-for
you"
He smiled and dropped her hand. mo.
no. You've said goodby to the cinch. I
can see that. You're on the road to OPP
era boxes and limousines. What Is
your plan? What would you advise
Wayland to do If you knew 1 was hard
against his marrying you? Come, now.
can see you're a clear sighted indl-
vidual. What can he do to earn Nv
ing? how will you live without my
things?" u
Eyes. I'm going to ask my father to
buy a sanch near here, where mother
can have more of the comforts of life.
and where we can all live together till
Wayland is able, to stand city life
again. Then, If you want him to go
east, will 60 with him."
They had moved slowly back toward
the others, and as Wayland came to
meet them Norcross said. with dry hui
NOR: II admire your lady Of the cinch
hand. She seems to be a person Of
singular good nature and most uncom-
mon shreWd"-
Wayland, interrupting. caught at his
fathers hand and wrung it frenziedly.
am glad"-
Here! Herev' A look of pain COW
cred the fathers face. That's the fist
she put in the press"
They all laughed, and then he grave
~ resumed: II say l admire her. but
it's shame to ask such girl to marry
an invalid like you. Furthermore.
won't have her taken east Shed
bleach out and lose that grip in a year.
1 won't have her contaminated by the
city" He unused deeply while looking
at his son. would life on a wheat
ranch, accessible to this hotel by mo-
torcar. be endurable to your
"You mean with BereaY
IF she'll 80. Mind you, I don't ad-
wise her to do it." he added. interrupt
ing his sons cutlery. II think she's
taking all the chances" He turned to
Mrs. McFarlane. I'm old fashioned