The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1920-12-02
CHAPTER "
The Weddina.


II was an exceedingly busy after
noon, SO filled with details Of prepara-
ton as 10 leave shelby slight oppor-
mnlty for reflection He had never
contemplated marriage. or imagined
himself benedict lie knew practi-
cally nothing ms 10 the disposition and
character OF the girl or what she might
require Of himself He had no con
ception that he loved her or that she
felt any especial affection for him.
His sudden action had been very large
~ Influenced by his controversy with
Cowan and she had quite frankly con.
fessed that her choice Of him rested
entirely on the fact that he was not
resident Of Ponca. There had been
no mention of love between them
merely a business-like arrangement
unmarked by the slightest sentiment
He was dmly aware that this made q
poor foundation on which TO build for
future happiness
This peculiar situation was driven
home to him by a vivid recollection
Of what he was going to take her to-
that desolate ranch our there on the
Cottonwood. Could she be satisfied?
Could she even hear with such condl.
tonsy
lie saw Mccarthy and the preacher
from Buffalo Gap first telling them
frankly the whole story and gravely
pledging both to secrecy Refusing
firmly TO receive a cent OF the money
which Mac promptly offered. he left
these two TO arrange all details for
the wedding, confident Of their discre-
ton aud good judgment There was
no necessity for his seeing the girl
again. and. indeed. he felt no inclina-
ton 10 do 50. He even shrank from
the thought OF seeing her, and was
profoundly thankful that everything
WAS 50 completely understood he
tween them as 10 make another con.
ference entirely unnecessary Satisfied
upon this point. be- devoted the time
remaining AT his disposal 10 purchas-
Ing the variety Of articles made nee
essary by this sudden change in life.
The blackboard was loaded until moth
ing remained unoccupied but the mar
row seat. a huge box packed full, oc.
cupying the rear portion. with bun
dies tied securely here and there
about the vehicle. wherever they would
ride safely. over al these be stretch
ed tarpaulin TO keep out the dust.
strapping the latter firmly into place.
The solemn injunction 70 secrecy
had prevented Pones from making
this occasion one Of special celebra-
ton. hut nevertheless rumor had
been sufficiently busy 80 ~ 70 prevent /
any strictly private ceremony The I
parior Of the hotel was already crowd 4
ed with unlimited guests when he On.
ally arrived and there was also an 1
overflow meeting 10 the adjoining din 1
ing room. Shelby swore under his /
breath. but Il vas TOO late q protest 1
outwartilv - the nride-tOhe was 10 4
ready waiting his arrival 81 The foot
Of the stairs
In spite Of the doubts which hHd
sssaIled him during the pasi few
hours. the sight ~ her thus awaiting
bis coming. her eyes meeting his own
frankly. sent sudden thrill through
bis veins she was ehaperoned ~ fhe
wife q the principal storekeeper and
doubtless Others among TIE rev -
women - Ponca had com
Dined their taste and posss -sious r.
property NJ her our for rhe aces
lust h0w The transformation had heH
accomplished shelby. being man vos
bully lacking 10 experience did mr.
Know. but be wHs vlvIdiy aWare
No change IN hsr nprearancs am
manner. She gas dressed D. gray
be outer garment pian'v fa-h.onef
VT fftinz sell whHe q H8osf ileaa-una
ret rafier coaueuish IN ~ <a
tested % -ofr shlulnE halr. auaea