Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1889-07-17

Not once did she grow fretful, or re-
proach her husband for taking her so
far away from all that she loved.
ale is doing the best he cam" she
always said to herself, land what
would a palace be without his loveP
Besides, how much | have got to be
grateful for" And somehow the re-
membrance of their first evening in
the log cabin would always bring the
tears to her eyes. 1t was such Il real
proof of his love and thoughtfulness
for her.
When the next spring heightened
into the summer, and her sweet face
began to wear II tired look that he did
not like to see, he came to her one
evening, saying graTely:
Ruth, pack yoIr trunk tonight.
Tomorrow | want to take you with me
to San Diego. Important business
calls me there, and you and Ruthie
both need II change"
'But how can you leave the ranch, :"
Ruth asked, "just now, when you are
most needed~
"Oh, Redly will take charge of the
place and the men will work for him
rs well as for me-"
II Ruth had noticed him just then
very carefully, she might have seen u
twinkle in his eye that would have
made her suspicious as to this "busi-
ness trip" to San Diego; but like ~
dutiful wife she packed up and asked
no foolish questions.
When they reached San Diego, much
to her surprise her husband did not go
to hotel. He gave the coachman
some directions, and they were driven
to an elegant looking house in the
suburbs.
"Why, | didn't know you had friends
herem Ruth exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh, yes" said John. 81 have II
number of them. This is the home OF
the best friend | have in the world"
"WhyI" John nearly took her breath
away. She thought of her shabby
travelling dress and Ruthies shabbier
cloak with, dismay, but she made up
her mind to make the best of it for
Johns sake, anyway. A lady could
always be a lady, no matter how she
was dressed.
a neat Chinaman opened the door,
and ushered them into handsome
reception-room. The house was beau
tiful inside, and every thing was new
and of the latest fashion. Ruth sank
into finely upholstered easy-chair
with feeling of momentary content.
For moment she almost wished she
might be the possessor of such home
and then she put aside the envious
wish.
snake yourself at home, DEAR"
John said, "while seek the master
of the house He is probably in his
study. l will return when | have
spoken with him privately. 1 know
he will be delighted to know you are
here and welcome YOU"
"How strange John never told me
OF this friend of his" Ruth said to
herself, as she amused herself look
ing at the handsome engravings on
the table near her.
Presently he returned, but not ms
she expected with the master of the
house, whom she was feeling little
in awe of.
Where is hep" she asked.
"Here."
VAh h,t
your mind? There is no one with
you. You and / are alone" She be-
gan TO look frightened. What If John
had really lost his senses. He had
certainly acted, queer about this San
Diego trip.
To her further amazement, he burst
into loud laugh, and taking stand
in the middle of the floor, said with a
polite bow:
Dear Mrs. Delaro, allow me to in
troduce to you the master of this
house. John Delano. Esq. your hum
BILE servant. am monarch of all /
survey"
7 John, you are surely going mad
and | with you. For Heavens sake, "
she entreated, "tell me what you
meanw
"Tll tell you what | mean, little
wife," he said. II mean that came
TO San Diego last year during the land
boom, went into the rcal-estate bust
ness and cleared a small fortune. This
is your home and all that is in 1t be-
longs to Ruth and John Delano. The
ranch and the log cabin was simply a
trial OF your love. l wanted to find
out what kind of stuff my wife was
made Of"
"And did you find outp" she asked OF
him. woman-like, not knowing whether
. to laugh or cry owes this great Joy.
Indeed 1 did. She was weighed in
the balance and not found wanting. 1
know now that her love was strong
enough to brave all trials for me.
Henceforth she shall be queen of my
prosperity"
1T was very pretty little drama
you chose to have me take the princi-
pal part in" she said; "but forgive
you. and am satisfied II you are"
Completely" he answered. with a
lovers kiss.
"Do you know, Dear john" she