The Holbrook news., 1921-05-13
CHAPTER V.
The Wedding.


 It was an exceedingly busy after noon. so filled with details of prepara- ton as to leave Shelby slight OppOr- tunity for reflection. He had never contemplated marriage or imagined himself a benedict. He knew practi- cally nothing as to 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 1y 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 a resident of Ponca. There had been no mention of love between them merely a business-like arrangement, unmarked by the slightest sentiment He was dimly aware that this made a poor foundation on which to build for future happiness.
 :, This peculiar situation was driven home to him by vivid recollection of what he was going to take her to- that desolate ranch out there on the Cottonwood Could she be satisfied? Could she even bear with such condi- tions2
 He 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 and good judgment. There was no necessity for his seeing the girl again, and, indeed, he felt no inclina tiOn to do so. He even shrank from the thought of seeing her, and was profoundly thankful that everything was so completely understood be- tween them as to make another con- ference entirely unnecessary. Satisfied upon this point. he devoted the time remaining at his disposal to purchas- ing the variety of articles made nee essary by this sudden change, in life. The blackboard was loaded until noth- 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 all these he stretch ed a tarpaulin to keep out the dust, strapping the latter firmly into place.
 The solemn injunction to secrecy had prevented Ponca from making this occasion one of special celebra- ton, but. nevertheless, rumor had been sufficiently busy so as to prevent any strictly private ceremony. The parIOr of the hotel was already crowd ed with uninvited guests when he fn- ally arrived and there was also an overflow meeting in the adjoining din- ing room. Shelby swOre under his breath, but it was too late to protest outwardly, as the Dride-to-be was al- ready waiting his arrival at the foot of the stairs.
 Tn spite of the doubts which had -assaiIed him during the past few hours. the sight of her thus awaiting his coming. her eyes meeting his own frankly, sent a sudden thrill through his veins. She was chaperoned by the wife of the principal storekeeper and
 
 spectable women of Ponca had con- bined their taste and possessions to properly fit her out for the occasion. Just how the transformation had been accomplished Shelby, being a man woe fully lacking in experience, did not know. but be was vividly aware of the change in her appearance and manner She was dressed in gray, the outer garment plainly fashioned but fitting well, while most becoming hat. rather cOquettish In its shape, rested on soft, shining hair, fluffed out attractively, forming a most agree able frame for the young face, the cheeks flushed with excitement. Shel- by stood before her tongue-tied, unable to find words of greeting. painfully conscious of his own awkwardness. The embarrassment, however, was but for the instant, for the preacher had been waiting his entrance, eager to begin the ceremony
 What occurred during the next few moments was never wholly clear in SheIby's mind. He did mechanically whatever he was told. but without comprehension. He remembered walk ing between rows of curious faces. oc- caslonaIIy recognizing familiar cOuntenanCR, clear across that crowded