The singular thing was that
both Nell's father and grandfather had been lost somewhere in the
Sonora Desert.
Belding did not oppose his wife's desire to visit her old home.
He thought it would be a wholesome trip for her, and did all in his
power to persuade Nell to accompany her. But Nell would not go.
It was after Mrs. Belding's departure that Belding discovered in
Nell a condition of mind that amazed and distressed him. She had
suddenly become strangely wretched, so that she could not conceal
it from even the Gales, who, of all people, Belding imagined, were
the ones to make Nell proud. She would tell him nothing. But
after a while, when he had thought it out, he dated this further
and more deplorable change in Nell back to a day on which he had
met Nell with Radford Chase. This indefatigable wooer had not
in the least abandoned his suit. Something about the fellow made
Belding grind his teeth. But Nell grew not only solicitously,
but now strangely, entreatingly earnest in her importunities to
Belding not to insult or lay a hand on Chase. This had bound
Belding so far; it had made him think and watch. He had never
been a man to interfere with his women folk. They could do as
they liked, and usually that pleased him. But a slow surprise
gathered and grew upon him when he saw that Nell, apparently,
was accepting young Chase's attentions. At least, she no longer
hid from him. Belding could not account for this, because he was
sure Nell cordially despised the fellow.
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