Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1922-12-08

CHAPTER TX
An INTERRUPTED siesta.


taneda. Nell lay in the hammock,
her hands behind her head, with rosy
cheeks and arch eyes. IndC ID she
looked rebelliOus.
Dick was inclined to he reDellious
himself. Belding had kept the rangers
in off the line, and therefore Dick
had been Idle most Of the time, and,
though he tried hard, he had been
unable to stay far from Nell'S vicinity.
He believed she cared for him; but
he could not catch her alone long
enough to verify his tOrmentinG hope.
He had long before enlisted the loyal
, Mercedes in his cause; but in spite Of
this Nell had been more tlan match
for them both.
Gale pOndered over an idea he had
long revolved in mind, and which now
suddenly gave place to decision that
made his heart swell and his cheek
burn. He went in search of Mrs. Bel
ding, and found her busy in the
kitchen.
The relation between Gale and Mrs.
Relding had subtly and Incompetent
siyely changed. He understood her
less than when at first he OWNED an
antagoniSm in her If such thing
were possible she had retained the
antagonfsm While seeming to yield to
some influence that must have been
fondness for him. Gale had come to
care greatly for Nell'S mother. Not
only was she the comfort and strength
of her home, but also of the inhabl-
tants of FOrlOrn River. Indian, MeXi-
can, American were all the same to
her in trouble or Illness; and then she
was nurse, DOCTOR peacemaEer, helper.
She was good and noble and there Was
not child or grOwnup in Forlorn
River who did not love and bless her.
But Mrs. Belding did not seem happy.
She seldom smiled, and mover laughed.
There was always Il soft, sad, hurt
look in her eyes. Gale often won
dered if there had been other tragedy
in her life than the supposed loss OF
her father in the desert.
Mrs. Belding heard Dicks step as
he entered the kitchen, and, looking
up, greeted him.
Mother began Dick, earnestly.
Belding called her that, and so did
I.add and Lash, but it was the first
time for Dick. "dother-I want to
speak 70 YOU"
The only indication Mrs. Bedding
gave of being startled was in her
eyes. which darkened, shadowed with
multiplying thought.
II love Nell" went on Dick, simply
"and l want you to let me ask her
to be my wife"
Mrs. Belongs face blanched to a
deathly white. Gale, thinking with
surprise and concern that she was
going 20 faint, moved quickly toward
her took her arm.
Forgive me. l was blunt. q.
But l thought you knew"
1--WE known for a long time" replied
Mrs. Belding. Her voice was steady,
and there was no evidence Of. agita-
ton except in her plllor. "Then you
YOU haven't spoken to Nell?"
Dick laughed. I've been trying to
get a chance to tell her. haven't
had it vet. But she knows. I hope,
almost believe Nell cares little for
me-"
I've known that, too, for n long
time" said Mrs. Bedding, low almost
as a whisper.
"You knowr' cried Dick, with a
glow and rush of feeling. "Mother I!
You'll give her TO meT
She drew him to the light and
looked with strange, piercing intent
ness into his face. Gale had never
dreamed a wOman's eyes could hold
such a world Of thought and feeling.
1t seemed all the sweetness Of life
was there, and all the pain.
"Dick Gale, YOU want my Nell? You
love her just as she is-her sweet
neSs-her goodness? Just herself,
body and soul? There's moth
ing could change you--nothine?"
Dear Mrs Bedding, I love Nell for
herself. If she loves me I'll be the
manifest of men. There's absolutely
nothing that could make any differ
ence in me-
But your people? Oh. Dick, you
come of a proud family. l can tell.
You've become Il ranger. You love
the adyenture-the wild life. That
won't last. Perhaps Sou'n settle
down to ranching. know YOU love
the West. But, Dick, there's your
family"
IF you want to know ANYTHING
about my family, III tell YOU inter,
rupted Dick, with strong feeling. "Ive
no secrets about them or myself Ny
future and happiness are NclIs tc
make. No one else shall count with
me-"
Then. Dicl-you may have her
d-bless-yOu-both
Mrs. Belongs strained face under
went a swift and mobile relaxation
and suddenly she was weeping in
strangely mingled happiness and bit.
terrosS.