Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-10-25
RUTH's MISTAKE.
BY ADNA II. LIGHTNER.

look, but her voice had a commanding
ring in it that spoit the effect of eyes
and lace.
Rob West stood in front of merry,
cracking hickory fire, thut Sc, t out a
warmth which penetrated every corner
of the tidy little sitting room. Ho was
brushing his clothes bri,kly, and, being
thus occupied, did not hook up at his
wite's inquiry, but wondered "What
was the matter now"
Ii Rob had only looked up and seen
that heSeeching, yearning look, .hat pret
ty interlacng OF tho fingers, how differ
ent would have been the ending Of my
story.
"Yes, Ruth" ne said, in bright,
cheer voice, that rang through the room
like the song of bird, | must 60, but
l will be at home on the seven O'Clock
train"
Must go What for, l would like to
know ?"
" Never mind, Ruthie, you would not
understand il should take the time to
explain it. What does that little head
know about business p
Rob's playful words. that he imagined
would soothe her, had the very opposite
effect.
"Oh, OF course don't know anything
What pity you did not marry Mary
4. 4 d NJ 4 4
been capable of understanding you aud
your business both"
Ruth spoke with sarcastic, taunting
ring to her voice, rs she began energeti-
cnlly to brush the dust oil of the mantle
with her apron that Rob had raised but
moment before.
Rob compressed his lips tightly to keep
back the angry words. H. WAS not per
feet, far from il, although his heart was
,arge and warm. lie hnd many faults
ard inhrmalies-non knew them better.
none regretted them SO deeply AS he
Rob had formed II resolution long before
that he would never allow himself to get
angry when Ruth did. and he would
keep that vow he it ever 20 hard, and 1t
was hard, for Ruth was ms quick rs
flash to anger, and as quick over, burst
ing out with hot, impatient words, aud
rendy to make up in tho next breath.
" No. Ruthie. did not want Mary
Edwards. | nm satisfied with my choice
and wish that you could say the same"
" Well, for my part, l think you ought
to be satisfied, when you know that
might have married Win Ellis and lived
in fue house, with servants ia go and
come Mt my command, instead of this
little ten-by-twelve frame, and myself
the household drudgo."
Ruth's temper WAS up to white heat
now, and she did not care what she snid.
" Well, Ruthie," Rob said, wiiha deep
sigh, 1T will all he right some day. !
will grow rich or die, aud you can marry
rich"
" Great danger OF your growing rich,
aud about ~ much of your dying better
get your life insured if you are going to
die"
"All right, viii. Now must go. l
will be obliged to drive Bird single to
day, Speed is lame. | don't lke to drive
her atone, she feels too good this cold
weather, But brush my hat, Ruthie,
and get me a handkerchief, while bar
ne-s up, aud | will try her."
Rob henved deep sigh as he walked
out T., the barn. Ruth's angry words
hled his tender heart fO', with all her
faults, he loved little brown. haired Ruth
better than the whole world, although
fhe tried him sorely sometimes. He hnr-
messed Bird to The light buggy aLd drove
around to the hitching post, tied her and
entered the h ouse to find his wife stand
ing just whore he had lett her, with the
same flown on her brow, and tho same
pout Ia her pretty gps.
Whit in the world possessed Ruth and
caused her TO be so unkind to Rob, would
have beon hard to tell. She knew thnt
she was cross and pettl.h, but could as
sign nc reason for it,, only she wanted
something, and she did not know what
Oh. how her heart ached to lay her bead
on that great, brave, handsome fellows
shoulder--,he husband who would have
died for her--aud. with her face very
close to his, sob out her repentance and
crave his forgiveness for her bitter word !
BIT pride, stubborn pride, held her back
Rob came and stood By tis wee little wife.
and looked sorpwlully down upon her.
Rllhie, | love you 80 Don't make
me- feel ny in-utliciency tohll your heart.
Ki-s me, pet, aud sny good-by." Rob
drew her 10 him, and waited for her to
raise her lip- for the cares, but he wait
ed in VAN and, bending down, he prest-
ed for d but sad kiss on her brow, while
he SAID, e" Well, Ruthe, if you will not
kiss me good-by, shall have to go with
out it, for l will be compelled 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 pntter OF Birds feet on the
frozen ground, then he was gone.
d. wonder what Rob will think OF
me He knows that lid not mean one
word that said Oh, dearl wish /
bad kissed him before he went away ,
So thought Ruth, as she stood at the
window watching bis form out Of sight
What long. long weary day IL was
The afternoon lst in, eeid aud gloomy