The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1940-01-18

a W1Qe panorama SpISdu ouI' AeS
was unusually quiet that day
When they had dismounted NJ
pointed out dots of color thai
looked. like, paint splashes. .sn
Circle v cattle. They're al
over these hillsides and out or
that flat, all with your brand or
them, waiting to help feed the
world. That's worth something
isn't it,"
eyes, suppose So" There was
no answering lift of enthusiasm
in her voice. "Oh, it's no use, Lee
Can't you see that? 1t isn't in my
blood the way it is in yours"
"There's nothing I wouldn't dc
to help, Virginia, if that's any use
to you"
"But you'll never make ranch
woman of me. Never. Better give
me up as a bad lot, Lee"
'I'll never give you up''
She caught the quick blaze in
his eyes, felt herself swept to
him in grip at once rough and
tender, his face against hers.
warm and compelling. Pulses
stopped, and raced exultantly on
again.
Never" he whispered against
her lips. Honey =. 49,
~"Oh, let me go!"
The first impulse to yield
had brought blazing reaction
She. pulled herself free.
"You take too much for gran
ted" she said coldly. Il hate be-
ing paved"
The warmth went out of Lees
face like something wiped from
a slate; his hands dropped; he
stood looking down at her, tight
Tipped.
ooh, certainly, if that's the way
you look at it."
The ride home was a silent one.
Lawler met them as they came
into the Valley of the Sun. He
was grinning.
Been lookin' all for We, Miss
Blair. Some company's come, yore
aunt and a young gentleman.
They've been here three hours"
Stanley Bradish had already
found mount and was riding to-
ward them.
Thanks, LAWYER" Virginia
turned coolly to Lee. 1T won't
be necessary for you to come so
far out of your way. I'll ride back
with Mr.. Bradish."
1T isn't out of my way" he
said laconically. I'm spending
the night with joey"
He rode on with her to meet
Stanley Bradish, whose father
wanted the Circle V and who
himself probably wanted some
thing worth still more to Lee Hol-
lister. Each man recognized the
other, and neither gave the faint
est indication Of it. Once more
and this time consciously, the
glance that passed between was
a measuring of power.
There was little time now for
Virginia to let her thoughts dwell
en- Lee. She had two unannoun-
ced guests to entertain, both city
jewellers of luxurious tastes. Mrs.
Archer had retired exhausted to
her room. Virginia excused her
self to Stanley and found her.
Darling, this is lovely! But
| why didn't you send word, and
let me meet your"
II wanted to surprise you, dear.
It was a silly notion of course D
Mrs. Archer returned the warm
young kiss and smiled wanly. 81
hope you don't mind my bring
ing Stanley this way, but ]
couldn't very we'll object when he
| wanted to come"
"Oh, no, of course not" Vir-
ginia smiled brightly. She paused,
and the rest came jerkily.
Father was going to build a
new ranch house as soon as
came back. And I never came.
The plans are in his desk still"
Mrs. Archer looked frightened.
She had not heard that hard
sound in Virginia's voice since
the first days after Matt Blair's
death.
"Oh, but you were practically
on the way home" she said
soothingly. "And Pm sure we
shall be very comfortable here.
Stanley has had one of his cars
shipped out. Really, if you were
not going to sell I should insist
on your getting a new one"
Virginia did not answer imme-
diately.
"Oh yes, I suppose I shall sell"
she said slowly. 1T would be
foolish not to. But I'd rather not
talk about it, if you don't mind"