I didnt hear you ride up.
Apparently not, he sneeringly answered. I reckon you were too much occupied.
She tried to laugh away his black mood. Thats right, I was. Im chief cook to-day. Come in and sit down. Mothers gone to town, and Im playing her part, she explained, ignoring his sullen displeasure. Cliff, this is Mr. Norcross, who is visiting Uncle Joe. Mr. Norcross, shake hands with Mr. Belden. She made this introduction with some awkwardness, for her lovers failure to even say, Howdy, informed her that his jealous heart was aflame, and she went on, quickly: Mr. Norcross dropped in on his way to the post-office, and Im collecting a snack for him.
Recognizing Beldens claims upon the girl, Wayland rose. I must be going. Its a long ride over the hill.
Come again soon, urged Berrie; father wants to see you.
Thank you. I will look in very shortly, he replied, and went out with such dignity as he could command, feeling, however, very much like a dog that has been kicked over the threshold.
Closing the door behind him, Belden turned upon the girl. Whats that consumptive dogie doing here? He peared to be very much at home with you too dern much at home!
She was prepared for his displeasure, but not for words like these. She answered, quietly: He just dropped in on his way to town, and hes not a dogie! She resented his tone as well as his words.
Ive heard about you taking him over to Meekers and lending him your only slicker, he went on; but I didnt expect to find him sittin here like he owned you and the place. Youre taking altogether too much pains with him. Cant he put his own horse out? Do you have to go to the stable with him? You never did have any sense about your actions with men. Youve all along been too free of your reputation, and now Im going to take care of it for you. I wont have you nursin this runt any longer!
She perceived now the full measure of his base rage, and her face grew pale and set. Youre making a perfect fool of yourself, Cliff, she said, with portentous calmness.
Am I? he asked.
You sure are, and youll see it yourself by and by. Youve no call to get wire-edged about Mr. Norcross. Hes not very strong. Hes just getting well of a long sickness. I knew a chill would finish him, thats why I gave him my slicker. It didnt hurt me, and maybe it saved his life. Id do it again if necessary.
Since when did you start a hospital for Eastern tenderfeet? he sneered; then his tone changed to one of downright command. You want to cut this all out, I tell you! I wont have any more of it! The boys up at the mill are all talkin about your interest in this little whelp, and Im getting the branding-iron from every one I meet. Sam saw you go into the barn with that dude, and that would have been all over the country to-morrow, if I hadnt told him Id sew his mouth up if he said a word about it. Of course, I dont think you mean anything by this coddlin.
Oh, thank you, she interrupted, with flaming, quick, indignant fury. Thats mighty nice of you. I went to the barn to show Mr. Norcross where to stall his horse. I didnt know Sam was here.
He sneered: No, I bet you didnt.
She fired at this. Come now! Spit it out! Something nasty is in your mind. Go on! What have I done? What makes you so hot?
He began to weaken. I dont accuse you of anything. I but I
Yes you do in your heart you distrust me you just as much as said so!
He was losing his high air of command. Never mind what I said, Berrie, I
She was blazing now. But I do mind I mind a whole lot I didnt think it of you, she added, as she realized his cheapness, his coarseness. I didnt suppose you could even think such things of me. I dont like it, she repeated, and her tone hardened, and I guess youd better pull out of here for good. If youve no more faith in me than that, I want you to go and never come back.
You dont mean that!
Yes, I do! Youve shown this yellow streak before, and Im tired of it. This is the limit. Im done with you.
She stood between tears and benumbing anger now, and he was scared. Dont say that, Berrie! he pleaded, trying to put his arm about her.
Keep away from me! She dashed his hands aside. I hate you. I never want to see you again! She ran into her own room and slammed the door behind her.
Belden stood for a long time with his back against the wall, the heat of his resentment utterly gone, an empty, aching place in his heart. He called her twice, but she made no answer, and so, at last, he mounted his horse and rode away.
IV THE SUPERVISOR OF THE FOREST
Norcross, much as he admired Berrie, was not seeking to exchange her favor for her lovers enmity, and he rode away with an uneasy feeling of having innocently made trouble for himself, as well as for a fine, true-hearted girl. What a good friendly talk we were having, he said, regretfully, and to think she is to marry that big, scowling brute. How could she turn Landon down for a savage like that?
He was just leaving the outer gate when Belden came clattering up and reined his horse across the path and called out: See here, you young skunk, youre a poor, white-livered tenderfoot, and I cant bust you as I would a full-grown man, but I reckon you better not ride this trail any more.