The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1889-10-17

To her surprise her husband did not 20 u
a hotel. He gave the coachman some
directions, and they were driven TO 81
elegant looking house In the suburbs.
"Why, didn't know you had friends
here!" Ruth exclaimed In surprise.
"Oh, yes" said John. ii have a mum
Der of them. This is the home Of the best
friend have 10 the world"
Why" John nearly took her breath
away. She thought of her shabby travel
ing dress and Ruthie's shabby cloak with
dismay, but she made up her mind 10
make the best of 1t for Johns sake, any
way. A lady could always be lady, no
matter how she was dressed.
A neat Chinaman opened the door and
ushered them into q handsome reception
room. The house WAS beautiful inside,
and everything was new and Of the latest
fashion. Ruth sank into a finely uphol-
stored easy chair with feeling OF
momentary content For moment she
almost wished she might be the posses.or
OF such home, and then she put aside
the envious wish,
Make your self at home dear" John
said, while ! seek the master OF the
house. He is probably in his study.
will return when have spoken with him
privately. | 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 looking at the
handsome engravings on the table near
her.
Presently he returned, but not as she
expected, with the master OF the house,
whom she was feeling little awe Of.
"Where is hep she asked.
Here"
"Here7 Why, John, have you lost
your mind2 There is no one with you
You and are alone" She began to look
frightened. Whatif John had really lost
LIS senses? He had certainly acted queer
saput this San Diego trip.
To her further aInazement he burst in
To loud laugh, and taking stand in the
saddle Of the room, said with polite
bow:
Dear Mrs Delano, allow me to intro.
,'@ce to you the master of this house,
John Delano, Esq, your humble servant.
am monarch of all l survey"
John you are surely going mad and
with you. For heavens sake she en-
treated, tell me what you mean
"l'll tell you what | mean, little wife,
he said. II mean that | came to San
Diego last year during the land boom,
went into real estate business and cleared
a small fortune. This is your home, and
all that is in it belongs to Ruth and John
Delano. The ranch and the log cabin
were simply a trial of your love. I want
ed to fluid out what kind of stuff my wife
was made of.
"And did you find out?' she asked of
him, woman like, not knowing whether
to laugh or cry over this great joy.
"Indeed | did. She was weighed in
the balance and not found wanting.
know now that her love was strong
enough to brave all trials for me. Hence.
forth she shall be queen of my pros
perity."
at was very pretty little drama you
chose to have me take the principal part
in" she said; "but forgive you, and
am satisfied II you are"
Completely" he answered, with a
lovers kiss.
DO you know, i4icar J yo5ts" che .rll,,!ss
pered that night, as she held Ruthie up
for her papa's good night kiss, that
doubt II can ever be AS happy anywhere
as was in that log cabin of ours, in spite
of all the hard work l did. Love never
seemed before sucn sweet compensation
for all of lfe's trials"
"Well If that isn't just like woman !"
laughed her husband. Like Lots wife,
forever looking back. Give her heaven,
and two to one she'll be sorry she ever
left the earth"
Ruth only smiled and held her peace.
She knew that he too would ever hold
their log cabin days in sweet and sacred
circumference Fannie Isabel Sherrick
in Pacific Rural Press.