"I felt something was wrong. Nell wasn't natural, like her old
self. And when I begged her to marry me soon, while Dad was here,
she couldn't talk. She could only cry."
"It was hard on Nell," said Belding, simply. "But it 'll be better
now you're back. Dick, I know the girl. She'll refuse to marry
you and you'll have a hard job to break her down, as hard as the
one you just rode in off of. I think I know you, too, or I wouldn't
be saying--"
"Belding, what 're you hinting at?" demanded Gale. "Do you dare
insinuate that--that--if the thing were true it'd make any difference
to me?"
"Aw, come now, Dick; I couldn't mean that. I'm only awkward at
saying things. And I'm cut pretty deep--"
"For God's dake, you don't believe what Chase said?" queried Gale,
in passionate haste. "It's a lie. I swear it's a lie. I know
it's a lie. And I've got to tell Nell this minute. Come on in with
me. I want you, Belding. Oh, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Belding felt himself dragged by an iron arm into the sitting-room out
into the patio, and across that to where Nell sat in her door. At
sight of them she gave a little cry, drooped for an instant, then
raised a pale, still face, with eyes beginning to darken.
"Dearest, I know now why you are not wearing my mother's ring,"
said Gale, steadily and low-voiced.
"Dick, I am not worthy," she replied, and held out a trembling
hand with the ring lying in the palm.
Swift as light Gale caught her hand and slipped the ring back
upon the third finger.
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