The Spirit of Sweetwater | Page 8

akin to the morning. She did not attempt to analyze the
emotion thus revealed, but she could not help seeing that he looked the
embodiment of health and happiness.
He wore a suit of light brown corduroy with laced miner's boots, and
they became him very well.
He smiled down at her as he drew near.
"You are better this morning, I can see that."
It was exactly as if he knew of her dream, and that the walk had been
actual, and a flush of pink crept into her face--so faint it was no one
noticed it--while it seemed to her that her cheeks were scarlet. What
magic was this which made her flush--she whom Death had claimed as
his own?
Mr. Ross invited Clement to sit with them, as she hoped he would.

Clement had, indeed, intended to force the invitation. "I'm going for a
gallop this morning," he said in explanation of his dress. "I wish you
could go too," he added, addressing Ellice.
Mr. Ross introduced him to the elderly woman: "Mr. Clement, let me
present you to my sister, Miss Ross."
Miss Ross was plump like her brother, and a handsome woman, but
irritable like him. She complained, also, of the altitude and of the chill
shadows. Neither father nor aunt formed a suitable companion for the
sick girl.
Clement was the antidote. His whole manner of treatment was of the
hopeful, buoyant sort. He spoke of the magnificent weather, of the
mountains, of the purity of the water.
"After I get back from my ride I wish you'd let me come and talk with
you. Perhaps," he added, "you'll be able to walk a little way with me."
He made the breakfast almost cheerful by his presence, and went away
saying:
"I'll be back by ten o'clock and I shall expect to find you ready for a
walk."
Miss Ross was astonished both at his assurance and at Ellice's singular
interest and apparent acquiescence.
"Well, that is a most extraordinary man. I wonder if that's the Western
way."
"I wish I were able to do as he says," the girl said quietly. The old
people looked up in astonishment.
"Aunt Sarah, I want you to help me dress. I'm going to try to walk a
little."
"Not with that man?" the aunt inquired in protest.

"Yes, Aunt." Her voice was vibrant with fixed purpose.
"But think how you would look leaning on his arm."
"Auntie, dear, I have gone long past that point. It doesn't matter how it
looks. I cannot live merely to please the world. He has asked me, and if
I can I will go."
Mr. Ross broke in, "Why, of course, what harm can it do? I'd let her
lean on the arm of 'Cherokee Bill' if she wanted to." They all smiled at
this, and he added, "The trouble has been she didn't want to do anything
at all, and now she shall do what she likes."
It all seemed very coarse and common now, and she could not tell them
the secret of the dream that had so impressed her, and of her growing
faith that this strong man could help her back to health and life. She
only smiled in her slow, faint way, and made preparation to go with
him who meant so much to her.
He met her on the veranda in a handsome Prince Albert suit of gray
with a broad-brimmed gray hat to match. He looked like some of the
pictures of Western Congressmen she had seen, only more refined and
gentle. He wore his coat unbuttoned, and it had the effect of draping his
tall, erect frame, and the hat suited well with the large lines of his nose
and chin. It seemed to her she had never seen a more striking and
picturesque figure.
"I'll carry you down the stairs if you'll say the word," he said as they
paused a moment at the topmost step.
"Oh, no. I can walk if you will give me time."
"Time! Time is money. I can't afford it." He stooped and lifted her in
his right arm, and before she could protest he was half way down the
stairway. He laughed at the horrified face of the aunt. He was following
impulses now. As they walked side by side slowly--she, not without
considerable effort--up toward the spring, he said abruptly, but
tenderly:

"You must think you're better--that's half the battle. See that stream?
Some day I'm going to show you where it starts. Do you know if you
drink of that water up at its source above timber-line it will cure you?"
She saw his intent and said, "I'm afraid I'll be cured before I get to the
spring."
"I'm going to make it my aim in