The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-10-09

Tom Bascomb was q medical student,
one who often spent his Sundays at
the Hennery las the Fortescues called
their place., and Mr.. Driscombe, a
Woodworking man of business, was
fairly showed off by his wife, who knew
how much the poor man needed a
breath of real country air.
"1'm on the sick list exclaimed
their host. Nothing worth mention
ing except that it gave me Il chance OF
n holiday, and as my wife is off with
the children | thought | would enjoy
keeping bachelors hall for fewdays.h
And they didenjoyit! Jack sketched,
talked and smoked; Tom refused to
think Of medicine or disease, kept
them all laughing, and amused him
self at the piano, while dear old Dris-
combe," as Ned called his friend, who
was Il few, and seemed ten, years older
than Ned, rested body, soul and spir-
1t, enloyingthe goodcooking, the clear
air, the scenery, the young mans iolli-
ty and his wife's letters, which arrived
twice a day.
"Throat doing splendidly," was the
telegram that relieved Annie Fortescue
on the evening of her arrival. Aunt
Maria was delighted to see the children,
and made so much OF Annie herself
that the little n decided not to
go the next morning if the news was
good.
Your husband almost well-no
need of nursing" was the telegram
received at 10 O'Clock, and then all
insisted that since she had come she
might as we'll stay.
Just telegraph to Ned that you'll
stay a week TO- you have left home"
coaNed her aunt. "You are such a
slave to your house, husband and
children that | began to despair of a
visit. said to Thomas only the 9TH
er day: 'Annie'll be sure to be house
cleaning If this warm spell holds
good"
"Why, queerly enough, Ihad be-
gun, said Annie. "My bed was down;
Ned always knows | mean business
when | unscrew that great bed of ours.
How the dear old fellow hates house
cleaning, No, can't promise a week,
but I'll stay on from day to day.
Ned can't do without me-"
Ii she could have but seen Ned at
that moment! He was trying his
hand at a water-color under Jack
tuition, while Tom told story after
story that made Ned laugh so hearth
~ he could not keep his hand steady.
Then followed song, Ned singing the
solo. and all joining in the chorus
Singing is so good for q sore throat,
The weather grew warmer each day.
Armies h~ousewifely instincts couldnot
resists such opportunity. Ned was,
by his W account, quite well; the
children could stay at Aunt Maria's.
What q splendid chance to do the
cleaning.
81 never knew such a succession OF
spring days. The weatheris heavenly.
1t is inspiring. Why, before the rest
OF you thought OF getting out Of your
beds Ned and | took a stroll, and see
these sketches" and Jack showed his
studies.
"Do youknow, q womnno only thinks
of-'Ned began; but he was interrupts
ed; he lever finished the sentence, for
a figure stood in the doorway; and, as
all four gentlemen turned, Annie look
ed from one to the other, in very evil
dent amazement, and not w~ithevident
delight. Any woman who enjoys
housekeeping more than homemaking
can enter into her feelings. Never had
the pretty sitting-room look
ed so homelike; but Annie
saw only the disorder. A box of
water-colors here, the portfolio OF
sketches there a branch ofcatkins was
pinned above a picture, and in two
saucers Mr.. Driscombe had started
some delicate ferns. "Messes," one
and all, housewifely Anniecalled them:
yet as she looked shecouldnot be blind
to the fact that Ned was brighter
and happier than he had seemed for n
year past. Even his astonishment at
her sudden appearance did not bring
back the clouded, repressed expressed
expression so familiar to his wife; for
Ned knew that, though the woma he
had chosen as his wife was a tritie too
much devoted to mere eXternals, she
was n true lady, and wouldnotberude
to amy guest, no matter how unwel-
come.
In far less time it has taken to write
this Annie recovered herself, shook
hands with thetwog gentlemen sheknew
and was introduced to Jack Downing,
OF whom she had often heard. Moth
ing was said OF the throat, but after
a private interview with Mary, the
waitress, Annie, who was no fool and
quick enough to learn q lesson, made
a resolution. She pressed her hus-
bands friends to stay a few days Ion
ger, watered the ferns, humtedup a few
more catkins, and when she had Ned
to herself said, very demurly, "You
needn't play sick another spring, dear.
I'll wait till you've enjoyed the first
lovely weather before | house-clean.
Ned, / do like a tidy house, but I be-
live I love you even better!"
"Annie, Tn ashamed Of myself, but
l can't say I'm sorry sine .you're so
good about it. So you do see some
thing good in q lovely spring dry be-
sides an inspiration for a thorough
cleaning"
II see what these spring days have
done for you, Ned; l believe you've
been cleaning out the cobwebs from
your brain. You must keep Jack
Downinghere a week ortwo. After all,
the house need not be pulled to pieces
every spring, and I'll try to put up
with a few messes in the sitting room,
since they make you SO happy"
And Annielet the bed-key rest until
the following September.
Wishing to Be Baptized Thor
oughly.