Snow was on the ground and the river crisping with tinkling sheets of
spreading ice when Clark again reached St. Marys and with
characteristic energy laid his first plans. These were to supply the
town with water and light, and the fact that the well remembered public
promise was thus to be redeemed reassured the citizens as nothing else
could have done. It was true that heavy work was impossible before
spring, but Belding, on instructions, deposited with the town council
an imposing set of blue prints which showed water pipes and electric
circuits radiating through every part of the town.
It was a week or so later that one day in the office Belding looked up
as though he had been called and caught his chief's penetrating gaze.
"Are you engaged, Belding; I mean to be married?" There was a twinkle
in the gray eyes.
"No, sir."
"Want to be?"
"No, sir."
"Anything to think of except the work?"
Belding shook his head. He had already learned never to show surprise.
"Then suppose I share your quarters for the rest of the winter. I
can't stand that hotel any longer."
The engineer flushed. Already he had put Clark away in the corner of
his mind as one not comparable to any man he had ever met. His
directness, his versatility, the suggestion of power that lay behind
power,--all these Belding had found in him. And this was a little like
being asked to share quarters with the Pope.
"I'm afraid you won't be very comfortable, sir." Belding had the use
of a big house, but it was hard to heat.
"I'll be better off than where I am," said Clark, and that settled it.
He had apparently conceived for the young man as much liking as he
cared to show for any one. Presently he laughed.
"You're wondering why I asked whether you were going to be married."
"I am--rather."
"Well, it's only because I feel a bit superfluous to any one in that
condition."
"Then you're not married yourself?" said Belding involuntarily.
Clark's eyes hardened. "No," he answered with extreme deliberation, "I
am not, I am too busy." Presently his mood changed and he added
provocatively, "But you're doomed, I see it in your face."