The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1876-10-07
Ruth's Mistake.
by ADNA n. LIGnTNER.

80 you are going TO OtOwn again, are
you, Rob"
Ruth's blue eyes were filled with
tears, and her childish face wore a
greived look, but her voice had a com
manding ring in it that spOilt the effect
Of the eyes and face.
| Rob West stood in front of a merry,
cracking hickory fire, that sent out a
warmth which penetrated, every corner
of the tidy little sitting. roc m. He was
brushing his clothes briskly. and, being
thus occupied, did not LOOK up at his
little wile's inquiry, but wondered
| what was the matter now"
II Rob had only looked up and seen
that beseeching, yearning look, that
pretty interlacing Of the fingers, how
different would have been the ending of
the story.
ayes, Ruth" he said, in a bright,
cherry voice, that lang through the
room like the song of a bird 81 must 60,
ont ] will be at home on the seven o.
clock train"
Must goI What for, / would like
to know 2"
Never mind, Ruthie. you would not
understand il should take tie time to
explain 1t. What does that little head
know about husiness?''
R0b's playful words, that he had
imagined would soothe her, had the
very opposite effect.
On, Of course | don't know any
thing. What pity you did not marry
Mary Edwards. No doubt she would
nave been capable of understanding
you and you business both"
Ruth spoke with sarcastic, taunt-
ing ring to her voice, as she began on.
efgetically to brush the dust of OF the
mantel with her apron that Rob bad
raised but moment before.
Ron composed his lips tightly to keep
back angry words. He was not per
iect far from it, although his heart was,
large and warm. He had many faults
and lntirmties none knew them better.
none regretted them so deeply as he.
Rob had formed a resolution long be-
fOre that he would never allow himself
to get angry when Ruth did, and he
would keep that vow be it ever so hard,
aud it was hard, for Ruth was quick as
Hash to anger, and as quick over,
bursting out with hot. impatient words,
and ready to make up in the next
breath.
"No, Ruthie, | did not want Mary
Edwards, | am satisfied with my
choice. and wish that you could say the
sauip."
"WelI. for my part, think you ought
to be- satisfied, when you know that |
might have married win Ellis and lived
in tinn house, with servants to come
and 60 at my command, instead of this
little ten. by-twelve frame, and myself
the household drudge
Ruth'S temper was up to white heat
nov, and she did not care what she
said.
"Well, Ruthie," Rob said, with a
deep sigh, lit will b. all right some
day. will gro rich or die, and you
can marry rich"
"Great danger OF your growing rich
and about as much Of your dying
better get your life insured if you are
going to die"
"AIl right, | will. Now / mast go.
] will be obliged to drive Bird single to.
day. speed is lame. | don't like>to
drive her alone, she feels too bad this
cold weather. But brush my hat,
Ruthie, and get me a handkerchief,
while harness land will try her"
Rob heayed a deep sigh as he walked
out to the barn. Ruth's angry words
bled lis tender heart for, with all her
faults, he loved little brown haired
Rulhie better than the whole world,
although she tried him sOrely some
times. He ha'nessed Bird to the light
buggy and drove around to the hitch
ing post. tied her, and entered the house
to hnd his wife standing just where he
had left her, with the same frown on
her brow, and the same pout to her
pretty lips.
What In the wide world possessed
Ruth, and caused her 10 be so unkind to
Rob, would have been hard to tell. She
knew that she was cross and pettish,
but could assign no reason for it, only
she wanted something, and she did not
know what. Oh, how her heart ached
to lay her head on that great, brave,
handsome fellows shoulder the hus-
bands who would have died for her
and, with her face very close to- sob
Oul uti ltpeuItnC6 anu crave MS iOT-
giveneSs for her bitter words ! But
pride, stubborn pride, held her back.
Rob came and stood by his wee little
wife, and looked sorrowfully down up
on heF.
"Ruthie, love you sol Don't make
me feel my insuficiency TO fill your
heart Kiss me, pet, and say good by"
Rob drew her to him, and waited for
her to raise her lips for the earess. but
he waited in vain; and, bending down,
he pressed found but sad kiss on her
brow, while he said, "Well, Ruthis,
II you will not kiss me good-by, shall
have to go without it, for | will be com
PEELED to drive fast to catch the train
now. Never mind, we will make it all
up when | come home "
Rob turned, and, with lingering look
went out. The last sound Ruth heard
was the quick patter OF Birds feet on
the frozen ground, then he was gone.
II do wonder what Rob will think Of
me lie knows that did not mean one
word that said. Oh, dear l wish |
had kissed him before he went away"
SO thought Ruth, as she stood at the
window watching his form out of sight.
N hnf a ,