It was
that look in her eyes which lent him hope. At other times, when
it might have been possible for Dick to speak, Nell clung closely
to Mercedes. He had long before enlisted the loyal 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 a decision that made his heart
swell and his cheek burn. He peeped again through the green
branches to see Nell laughing at the fiery Mercedes.
"Qui'en sabe," he called, mockingly, and was delighted with Nell's
quick, amazed start.
Then he went in search of Mrs. Belding, and found her busy in the
kitchen. The relation between Gale and Mrs. Belding had subtly and
incomprehensively changed. He understood her less than when at
first he divined 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
was in no wise sure of her affection, and he had long imagined
she was afraid of him, or of something that he represented. He
had gone on, openly and fairly, though discreetly, with his rather
one-sided love affair; and as time passed he had grown less
conscious of what had seemed her unspoken opposition. Gale had
come to care greatly for Nell's mother. Not only was she the
comfort and strength of her home, but also of the inhabitants of
Forlorn River.
Pages:
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195