Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-11-29

making pies. while Ruth played about
the room. Naomis checks were flush
cd and the dull brown OF the large
calico apron brought out in bold relief
her clear complexion, sparkling eyes,
and the rich golden lights in her hair.
You never saw more puffy, flaky pas
try than she maEes, and her Christ
mas and Thanksgiving les are always
prepared with II sort OF joyful solem-
nlty. This day she was full OF delight
aud talked with as light a heart AS
Ruth's.
hate to see people at work and not
be- allowed to take hand. so l her-
ged Naomi TO lie. me undertake the
currants. and, seating myself at the
table. was soon busy wash ng them.
You know how fearfully dirty they al
ways are, and these were no exception
to the usual rule. In IA few minutes |
heard the front door open, and Capt.
Bainbridge called his wife.
l learned later that he had that
morning, received percmp DRY orders
10 ride over to l., Il station some
twenty-five miles distant, to look after
matters which required prompt alton
ton. His plan was 10 start at once,
spend that afternoon and night in
l. and leave there the next day,
reaching home early in the afternoon.
AS he had just re eived his orders
Naomi knew nothing q his intentions
and answered his summons with a
happy smile. In n few moments,
Ruth, hearing her fathers voice, ran
into the hall, and left the kitchen door
open. Bourke and Naomi were 100
much absorbed TO notice this. BY tho
time had heard several sentences
heartily wished that had closed the
door after the child, but now / could
not do it without betraying that l had
overheard part o. II conversation not
in ended for my ears. so | sat still.
Naomi's voice was treEulous with
tears she would not shed.
Why, Bourke!' she exclaimed.
10 morrow will be Thanksgiving.
Surely you can return tonight"
.'My daring! what are you think
twenty-five mileS-and there is II
storm coming. Would it not be better
for me to stay at L--uGtu to-mor-
row morninG?"
"But, Bourke'-as if he had not
heard tit will Lc Thanksgiving!'
He laughed.
~ hat of that. little one They
think nothing of it in this region.
Why, all the fellows laughed this
morning when | sad we thought Of
having the usual celebration. My
little wife has some old fashioned no.
TONS" he added, annoyed. | suppose.
by her disapl rowing look: 10 be sure,
we have observed The day heretofore.
but when we are in Rome let Us do
as the Romans do ~
There was silence till Bourke said
with u little vexed laugh
Come, Naomi dear, be sensible.
You know am obliged TO go, but at
all events, | shall rea h home in the
afternoon. and or my par, think
we shall frd quito enough time be-
tween that and sunset in which TO be
thankful.
1t was hasty, thou2htess speech
and cut Naomi crue ly. Her temper,
though sweet, was always quick, and
at this spark it Jared up holly.
Certainly! she said. Don't
trouble yourself TO leave It'll to-
morrow II this is the way you regard
! Thanksgiving it is better that you
should not return earlier. Ruth and
can celebrate the day and be thank
full without you "
His answer was hoarse and con.
strained.
Naomi! that is wicked and unkind
will co as you wish; at end to my
business in - as speedily as pos
sible, and ride directly home. reach
ing here about midnight. You may
expect me even should it storm.
Don't trouble yourself to sit up for
me-"
caught the sound Of frightened
sob.
Don't do that" she ialtered. at
is not necessary. Premise me not to
start If it looks like a storm"
Il shall come, whatever the
weather."
He caught Ruth in his arms, gave
her hasty kiss, and was gone.
Mamma" piped the child. "How
can we Thanksgive without Papa?"
Without word the poor little wife
ran up 10 her room. and heard her
turn the key.
called Ruth into the kitchen, and
closing the door, diverted her mind by
remarkable fairy tales till her mother
returned.
Naomi told me, in q voice that
shook in spite OF her efforts at self
control, OF the journey her husband
was Obliged TO take and then the
subject was not again referred To
while ! was there. But | saw her
eyes turn often to The dull, gray sky,
and her lips twitched nervously.
Poor girl! how my heart ached
for her. And yet, what could
say or do am Old enough to know
that nobody can avert or ease the
trouble that comes Eetween husband
and wife, except the good Lord and
themselves. So only stayed there n