The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1922-12-21

Bedding was talking over the risks n.
VolVed In a trip to Caslta.
I'll tell you, boys, I'll ride in nv.
Sc. with Carter. There's business
can see to, and I'm curious to
know what the rebels are dolnk,
Gale I'm going to Casita myself,
ought to get back tomorrow some
time. I'll be ready to start In an hour.
Have your letter ready. And say-if
you want to write home it's q chance.
sometimes we don't go to the p. O.
in MONTH"
tie tramped out, followed by the
tail cowboys, and then Dick was en-.
abled to bring his letter to a close.
Mercedes came back, and her eyes
were shining. Dick, remembering
Belongs suggestion, decided to profit
by it.
May trouble you to write another
for me?" asked Dick, as lie received
the letter from Nell.
Its no trouble, I'm sure-I'd be
pleased" she replied.
That was altogether a wonderful
speech of hers, Dick thought, because
the words were the first coherent
ones she had spoken to him.
He settled back and began.
Presently Gale paused, partly be-
cause Of genuine emotion, and stole
look from under his hand at Nell.
II she had in the very least been drawn
to him But that was absurd-im.
possible!
When Dick finished debating, his
eyes were upon Mercedes, who sat
smlllngly curious and sympathetic.
How responsive she was! He looked
at Nell. Presently she rose, holding
out his letter. He' was just in time
to see a wave Of red recede from her
face. She gave him one swift gaze,
unconscious searching, then averted
it and turned away. She left the
room with Mercedes before he could
express his thanks.
But that strange, Speaking flash of
eyes remained to haunt and torment
Gale. 1t was indescribably sweet,
and provocative of thoughts that he
believed were wild without warrant.
1t dawned upon him that for the brief
instant when Nell had met his gaze
she had lost her shyness. 1t was a
wOman's questioning eyes that had
pierced through him.
Next day Dick believed he was we'll
enough to leave his room; but Mrs.
Bedding would not permit him to do
so. She was kind, soft handed, moth
erly, and she was always coming in
to minister to his comfort; yet Gale
felt that the friendliness so manifest
In the others of the household did not
extend to her. He was conscious OF
something that a little thought per-
Suaded him was antagonism. 1t sur
priSed and hurt him. He reflected
that there might come a time when
it would be desirable, far beyond any
ground of everyday friendly kindli'
ness, to have Mrs. Bedding be we'll
disposed toward him. So he Thought
about her, and pondered how to make
her like him. It did not take very
long for Dick to discover that ne
liked her. Her face, except when she
smiled, was thoughtful and sad. But
1t seemed too strong, too intense, toe
nObly lined. 1t was face to make
one serious. Like haunting shadow
like a phantom of happier years, the
sweetness of Nelvs face was there
and infinitely more Of beauty thar
had been transmitted to the daugh
ter. Dick believed Mrs. Belongs
friendship and motherly love were
worth much striving to win, entirel!
aside from any more selfish motive
He decided both would be hard tt
get.
Toward evening Gale heard thu
tramp Of horses and Belongs heart!
voice. Presently the rancher strod'
In upon Gale, shaking the gray dus
from his broad shoulders and wavini
letter.
Hello, Dick! Good news ant
bad!" be said. putting the letter II