The Raymer enterprise., 1923-08-30

wanted TO have fixed In mind her fu-
ture relation to the ranch and the
West. When the crucial hour arrived
he found that the West had not
claimed her yet. These old friends
had warmed cold ties.
II turned out, however. that there
need be no hurry about making the
decision. Madeline would have wei.
coined any excuse TO procrastinate
but, as 1t happened. a letter from Al.
fred made her departure out Of the
question for the present. He wrote
'lat his Tip to California had been
very profitable, that he had pfoposi.
tiOn for Madeline from a large cattle
company, and, particularly. that he
wanted to marry Florence soon after
his arrival home and would bring
minister from Douglas for that pur-
pose.
Madeline went 80 far. however. as
TO promise Helen and her friends that
she would go East soon. at the very
latest by Thanksgiving. With that
promise they we're reluctantly content
to say goodby to the ranch and to her.
Helens eyes had a sweet, grave,
yet mocking light as she said: Mai.
esty. bring Stewart with you when you
come. He'll be the rage"
Madeline treated the remark with
the same merry lightness with which
Il was received by the others; but
after the train had pulled out and she
was on her way home she remembered
Helen's words and looks with some
thing almost amounting to shock.
Any mention Of Stewart. any thought
OF HIN. displeased her.
"Whnt did Helen meanY' mused
Madeline. And she pondered. That
mocklng light In Helen's eyes had
been simply an lroIdcal CLINT. "A Gym.
Ical CLEAN from that worldly expert
ence 50 suspicious and tolerant In It's
wisdom. The sweet gravity Of Helen's
look had been deeper and more sub,
tie thing. Madeline wanted to under
stand 1t. to divine In II new rela.
ton between Helen and herself, some
thing fine and sisterly that might lead
to love. The thought, however. re-
volvink around strange suggestion
Of Stewart, was poisoned at Its incep
ton. and she dismissed II.
Upon the drive In to the ranch. as
she was passing the lower lake. she
saw Stewart walking llstlessly along
the shora When he became nware
Of the approach Of the car he sudden
~ awakened from his aImless saunter
ing and disappeared quickly in the
shade Of the shrubbery. This was not
by any means the first time Madeline
had seen him avoid a possible meeting
with her. Somehow the act had
panied her. though affordlng her n
relief. She did not wan, to meet him
face to face.
II was annoying for her to guess
that StlllweE had something to say In
Stewards defense. The old cattleman
was evidently distressed. Several
times he had tried to open a converse
tIon with Madeline relating to Stew.
art she had evaded him until the last
time, when his persistence had brought
cold and final refusal to hear nm.
other word about the foreman. still.
well had been crushed.
As days passed Stewart remained at
the ranch without his old falthfulness
TO his work. Madeline was not moved
to n kinder frame of mind to see him
wandering dejectedly around. II hurt
her. and because It hurt her she grew
all the harder.
A telegram from Douglas, heraldlng
the coming Of Alfred and minister.
put an end TO Madelines brooding. and
she shared something OF Florence
Klngsley's excitement. The cowboys
were as eager and gosslpy as girls,
II was arranged to have the wedding
ceremony performed In AIadeline's
great hallchamber, and the dinner In
the cool. flower.scented patio.
Alfred and his minister arrived al
the ranch In the big white car. They
appeared considerably wlnd.blown. In
fact, the minister was breathless. nj.
most slghtless, and certainly hatless.
Alfred, used as he was TO wind and
speed, remarked that he did not won.
der at Nels' aversion to riding a fleet.
Ing cannon.ball, The imperturbable
Link took Off his cap and goggles and.
consulting his watch, made his usual
apologize report TO Madeline, deplor.
ing the fact that teamster and few
stray cattle on the road had held him
down to the manana time OF only
mile minute.
Arrangements for the wedding
brought Alfred's delighted approval.
When he had learned all Florence and
Madeline would tell him he expressed
desire to have the cowboys attend
anu then he went on to Talk about
California. where he was going to take
Florence on a short trip.
On the following day Alfred and
Florence were married. Florence's
sister and several friends from FL
Cajon were present. besides Madeline,
Stillwell, and his men. It was Alfred's
express wish that Stewart attend the
ceremony. Madeline was amused
g.