Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1923-03-22
BY ZANE GREY

were possible she had retained the
antagonism while seeming to yield to
some influence tina. must have been
fondness for him. Gale had como to
care greatly for Nell's 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. Bedding did not seem happy
She seldom smiled, and never laughed
There was always a 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. Bedding heard Dicks step as
he entered the kitchen, and, looking
up, greeted him.
Mother began Dick, earnestly
Bedding called her that, and so did
Laid and Lash, but it was the first
time for Dick. Mother want tc
speak to YOU"
The only indication Mrs. Bedding
gave of being startled was in hel
eyes, which darkened, Swallowed with
multiplying thought.
ST love Nell" went on Dick, simply
"and / want you to let me ask hel
to be my wife"
Mrs. Belongs face blanched to 8
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.
But I thought you knew"
sT've known for long time" replied
Mrs. Bedding. Her voice was steady
and there was no evidence Of agita
ton except in her pallor. ''Then you
you haven't spoken to Nell?"
Dick laughed. 1--WE been trying tt
get chance to tell her. I haven't
had it yet. But she knows. / hope
/ almost believe Nell cares little fol
me-"
eve known that, too. for a long
time" said Mrs. Bedding, low almost
as a whisper.
"You know!" cried Dick, with 6
glow and rush of feeling. Mother
You'll give her to me?''
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.
s'Dick Gale, you want my Nell? Yor
love her just as she is-her sweet
| ness-her goodness? Just herself
body and soul? There's moth
| ing could change you-nothing?"
.sDear Mrs. Bedding, love Nell fol
herself. If she loves me I'll be the
happiest of men. There's absolutely
nothing that could make any differ
ence in me-
'But your people? Oh, Dick, yor
come of a proud family. I can tell
You've become a ranger. You love
the adventure wild life. Thai
won't last. Perhaps you'll settle
down to ranching. know you love
the West. But, Dick, there's your
| family"
.If you want to know anything
about my family, I'll tell you,' inter
rupted Dick, with strong feeling. "I've
no secrets about them or myself. MY
future and happiness are Nells t.
MAKE. No one else shall count with
me-
"Then, Dick-you may have her
God-bless- you-both.'
Mrs. Belongs strained face under
went swift and mobile relaxation
and suddenly she was weeping in
strangely mingled happiness and bit
/ terness.
"Why, mother" Gale could say M
more. He put his arm around her. III
another moment she had gained com
mand over Ferself, and, kissing him
she pushed him out Of the door.
"There! Go tell her, Dick.
And have some spunk about til"
Gale went thoughtfully back to his
room. Then remembering the hope
Mrs. Bedding had given him, Dick lost
his gravity in a flash, and :omethine
began to dance an ring within him
He simply could not keep his steps
turned from the patio. Every path
led there. His blood was throbbing