The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1886-10-23

snowy linen cloth of Mary's own
spinning and weaving; and on it
was a daintily prepared repast.
Everything was perfect in its way,
from the crisp brown of the cold
chicken to the pale green of the
pickles.
Mrs. lie Brun poured out cup
Of fragrant Mocha for each of her
guests, and then seated herself at
convenient distance with her knit
ting.
For n time little was said as the
tempting viands disappeared. Then
Donald called out:
Soups are empty, Molly"
And his wife came and refilled
them.
Lawric was the most impulsive
of the party, and many thoughts
had secthcd through his busy brain
as he sat at the table.
Now, as he looked Mt the comely
face of the hostess, he saw traces of
sadness upon it, underlying all its
studied checrfulncss of expression.
He said suddenly, not stopping to
think whether or not Donald would
be pleased:
"What makes you so kind and
painstaking, Mrs. LIE Brun? There
isn't one woman in a thousand who
would do rs you have this evening,
and, to tell the truth, ! didn't be-
lievc it of you, or l wouldn't have
come here and sanctioned putting
you to so much trouble. / just
wanted the fun Of seeing DOnald's
boasts about his wife come to moth
ing"
Donald's eyes flashed fire at this
speech. He half-rose from his
chair, but sat down again, evidently
putting strong restraint upon
himself.
Mary looked at Lawrie in sur
prise as he spoke, and smiled family,
apparently thinking a reply unnec-
essary. But Donald spoke up sud-
denly:
"Speak out, Molly, and satisfy
the fellow. What does make you
so willing to do anything that your
wild Donald asks of your"
Mary flushed painfully at his
words. She had been brought up
i'm simple faith, wherein an eva
sion is considered a lie. A ques-
ton put directly to her she felt
compelled to answer truly, whether
it should occasion pleasure or
anger.
1t was the first time that Donald
had asked her such question, and
he watched her face expectantly,
thinking to hear an answer pleas
ing to his self-loye.
Mary's answer came upon him
like a thundcrbolt in a cloudlcss
sky.
In her embarrassment at having
to give utterance to the painful
truth, she uncOnsciOusly assumed
the Quaker dialect.
"Because I love thee, Donald,
and it is my wish that thou should'st
have much comfort in this world
for surely thou will have sorrow
and tribulation in the world to
come, for it is written that no
drunkard shall see heaven"
Her words struck upon Donald
like a conviction.
1t seemed as though a subtle in
fluence vibrated through the truth
which he had evoked from the lips
of his quiet, accomplishing wife.
Night after night rose accusingly
in his memory, with visions of the
gaming-table. and of the fiery soul
destroying draughts which had
stimulated him from one mad ex-
cess to another.
He had surely bartered his hopes
ofsalvatiOn for "mess ofpottage."
An interval of some moments
elapsed. 1t seemed an eternity to
Mary.
Love and obedience to her hus-
band had been her ruling passion,
and she feared the effect of her
words upon him.
At last Donald rose to his feet,
and moved toward his wife.
Lawrie and James knew of his
temper, and fearing they knew not
what, rose also.
What was their surprise to see
Donald put his arm about MaryB
waist and draw her to him.
SIS it 40, Molly? Then by Him
who made me, you shall have no
more fears for my soul
His solemn manner gave his
words the effect of a more formal
attestation, and his really fine face
lit up with a glow of enthusiasm as
he looked from one to the other.
"What do you say, boys? Shall
we give happy heart to this kind
little woman, and sign the pledge?
Why not be friends in amendment
as we have been in our wild frolics?"
No second appeal was necessary.
The more enthusiastic Lawrie drew