There's absolutely nothing that could
make any difference in me."
"But your people? Oh, Dick, you come of a proud family. I can
tell. I--I once knew a young man like you. A few months can't
change pride--blood. Years can't change them. You've become a
ranger. You love the adventure--the wild life. That won't last.
Perhaps you'll settle down to ranching. I know you love the West.
But, Dick, there's your family--"
"If you want to know anything about my family, I'll tell you,"
interrupted Dick, with strong feeling. "I've not secrets about
them or myself. My future and happiness are Nell's to make. No
one else shall count with me."
"Then, Dick--you may have her. God--bless--you--both."
Mrs. Belding's strained face underwent a swift and mobile
relaxation, and suddenly she was weeping in strangely mingled
happiness and bitterness.
"Why, mother!" Gale could say no more. He did not comprehend
a mood seemingly so utterly at variance with Mrs. Belding's habitual
temperament. But he put his arm around her. In another moment she
had gained command over herself, and, kissing him, she pushed him
out of the door.
"There! Go tell her, Dick...And have some spunk about it!"
Gale went thoughtfully back to his room. He vowed that he would
answer for Nell's happiness, if he had the wonderful good fortune
to win her. Then remembering the hope Mrs. Belding had given him,
Dick lost his gravity in a flash, and something began to dance and
ring within him.
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