St. Tammany farmer., 1922-12-16

- - eAAS AiAic, AHu &LuereIOT6 DICK
mad 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 loyalt
Mercedes In his cause; but In spite Of
this Nell had been more than a 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
Durn. He went In search Of Mrs, Bel
ding, and found her busy Id the
kitchen.
The relation between Gale and Mrs
Belding had subtly and incomprehen-
sively changed. He understood her
less than when at first he OWNED an
antagonism In her. If such a thing
were possible she had retained the
antagonism while seeming to yield to
some influence. that must have been
fondness for him. Gale had come to
care greatly for Nells mother. Not
only was she the comfort and strength
Of her home, but also Of the inhabi.
tants. Of Forlorn River. Indian, Mexi-
can, American were all the same to
her in trouble or illness; and then she
was nurse, doctor, peacemaker, 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 never laughed.
There was always soft, sad, hurt
look IN her eyes Gale often won
dered Il there had been other tragedy
IN her life than the supposed loss Of,
her father In the desert.
Mrs. Belding heard Dicks step aa
he entered the kitchen. and, looking
up, greeted him. Il
Mother began Dick, earnestly.
Bedding called her that, and SO did
Ladd and Lash, but It was the first
time for Dick. ~Mother-I want to
speak to you."
The only indication Mrs. Belding
gave Of being startled was IN her
eyes, which darkened, shadowed with
multiplying thought.
II love Nell," went ON Dick, simply
eand I want you to let me ask he1
to be my wife"
Mrs. Belongs face blanched to "a
deathly white Gale, thinking with
surprise and concern that she was
going to faint moved quickly toward
her. took her arm.
forgive me- I was blunt. y
But I thought you knew
I've known for a long time" replied !
Mrs. Bedding. Her voice was steady,
and there was no evidence Of agita-l |
tion except in her pallor. 'sThen yourl
you haven't spoken to Nellr
Dick laughed. I've been trying TO ]
get a chance to tell her. I haven't
had 1t yet. But she knows, hope,
I almost believe Nell cares a little for
me-"
1--WE known. that, too. for long,
time" said Mrs. Belding, low almost
as a whisper.
"You knowl" cried Dick, with al
glow and rush Of feeling. ''Motheri
You'll give her to mer
She drew him. to the light and
looked with strange, piercing intent-.l
ness into his face. Gale had never
dreamed a woman's eyes could hold,
such a world Of thought and feeling.
It seemed all the sweetness OF life
was there, and all the pain.
'sDick Gale, you want my Nel11 You ,
love her just as she is-her sweet
ness-her goodnessi Just herself
body and soul? There's noths
Ing could change you-nothingr
'Dear Mrs Bedding, love Nell for,
herself. II she loves me TIL be tha
happiest Of men. There's absolutely
nothing that could make any differ
ence In mes
But your people7 Oh, Dick, yop
come Of a proud family. can tell.
You've become ranger. You love
the adventuret-th wild life. That
won't last. Perhaps you'll settle
down to ranching. know you love
the West. But Dick, there's your
family"
III you want to know anything
about my family, I'll tell you" inter-
rupted Dick, with strong feeling. 4I.ve
no secrets about them or myself. Ny,
future and happiness are Nell's to
make. No one else shall count with
me-" n
'.Then, Dickyou may have her
God-bless-you-both."
Mrs. Belongs strained face under.
went swift and mobile relaxation.
and suddenly she was weeping Id
strangely mingled happiness and bit.'
terness.
"Why, motherl'' Gale could say ua
more He put his arm around her. II
another moment she had gained com.
mand over herself, and, kissing him.
she pushed him out Of the door.
There! Go tell her, Dick,
Continued on page 81