第56章

He sat back on the luxurious cushions, his arms folded sternly, his brows knit, and the stout gentleman at his side watched him shrewdly.

"How does the ranch go?" he asked.

"Very well, thank you, Mr.Thaddler."

"Them Chinks pay up promptly?"

"As prompt as the month comes round.Their rent is a very valuable part of the estate.""Yes," Mr.Thaddler pursued."They have a good steady market for their stuff.And the chicken man, too.Do you know who buys 'em?"Ross did not.Did not greatly care, he intimated.

"I should think you'd be interested--you ought to--it's Diantha Bell."Ross started, but said nothing.

"You see, I've taken a great interest in her proposition ever since she sprung it on us," Mr.Thaddler confided."She's got the goods all right.But there was plenty against her here--you know what women are!

And I made up my mind the supplies should be good and steady, anyhow.

She had no trouble with her grocery orders; that was easy.Meat Icouldn't handle--except indirectly--a little pressure, maybe, here and there." And he chuckled softly."But this ranch I bought on purpose."Ross turned as if he had been stung.

"You!" he said.

"Yes, me.Why not? It's a good property.I got it all fixed right, and then I bought your little upstate shop--lock, stock and barrel--and gave you this for it.A fair exchange is no robbery.Though it would be nice to have it all in the family, eh?"Ross was silent for a few turbulent moments, revolving this far from pleasing information.

"What'd I do it for?" continued the unasked benefactor."What do you _think_ I did it for? So that brave, sweet little girl down here could have her heart's desire.She's established her business--she's proved her point--she's won the town--most of it; and there's nothing on earth to make her unhappy now but your pigheadedness! Young man, I tell you you're a plumb fool!"One cannot throw one's host out of his own swift-flying car; nor is it wise to jump out one's self.

"Nothing on earth between you but your cussed pride!" Mr.Thaddler remorselessly went on."This ranch is honestly yours--by a square deal.

Your Jopalez business was worth the money--you ran it honestly and extended the trade.You'd have made a heap by it if you could have unbent a little.Gosh! I limbered up that store some in twelve months!" And the stout man smiled reminiscently.

Ross was still silent.

"And now you've got what you wanted--thanks to her, mind you, thanks to her!--and you ain't willing to let her have what she wants!"The young man moistened his lips to speak.

"You ain't dependent on her in any sense--I don't mean that.You earned the place all right, and I don't doubt you'll make good, both in a business way and a scientific way, young man.But why in Hades you can't let her be happy, too, is more'n I can figure! Guess you get your notions from two generations back--and some!"Ross began, stumblingly."I did not know I was indebted to you, Mr.

Thaddler."

"You're not, young man, you're not! I ran that shop of yours a year--built up the business and sold it for more than I paid for this.

So you've no room for heroics--none at all.What I want you to realize is that you're breaking the heart of the finest woman I ever saw.You can't bend that girl--she'll never give up.A woman like that has got more things to do than just marry! But she's pining for you all the same.

"Here she is to-night, receiving with Mrs.Weatherstone--with those Bannerets, Dukes and Earls around her--standing up there like a Princess herself--and her eyes on the door all the time--and tears in 'em, Icould swear--because you don't come!"

They drew up with a fine curve before the carriage gate.

"I'll take 'em all home--they won't be ready for some time yet," said Mr.Thaddler."And if you two would like this car I'll send for the other one."Ross shook hands with him."You are very kind, Mr.Thaddler," he said.

"I am obliged to you.But I think we will walk."Tall and impressive, looking more distinguished in a six-year-old evening suit than even the Hoch Geborene in his uniform, he came at last, and Diantha saw him the moment he entered; saw, too, a new light in his eyes.

He went straight to her.And Mrs.Weatherstone did not lay it up against him that he had but the briefest of words for his hostess.

"Will you come?" he said."May I take you home--now?"She went with him, without a word, and they walked slowly home, by far outlying paths, and long waits on rose-bowered seats they knew.

The moon filled all the world with tender light and the orange blossoms flooded the still air with sweetness.

"Dear," said he, "I have been a proud fool--I am yet--but I have come to see a little clearer.I do not approve of your work--I cannot approve of it--but will you forgive me for that and marry me? I cannot live any longer without you?""Of course I will," said Diantha.