San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-05-30

ana COW SWEEP the violet beds wouId De IN
the spring time
And so the very next day she set the hired
man to work laying of garden, and all that
week and the next she spent her spare time
in digging and hoeing and spading The fol.
lowing week John took her to the nearest
town, and she selected the various articles she
desired for the house. She managed to fur
nish it quite comfortably, and under her deft
fingers all things began to wear a homelike
air. The place lost its barren and shiftless
look, and even the dog, Harold, seemed to feel
the change. He no longer wandered aim
lessly about, as though seeking a comfortable
spot, but went to sleep picture Of content
ment on one Of the soft rugs in the sitting
room, keeping one jealous eye always half
open upon his playmate, Ruthse
The months sped by, in spite Of all the
hardships she had to endure-for life is hard
for a woman in new country-on light
wings for Ruth. She made the best OF all
her trials, and was as sweet and contented as
she had been in the fair home they had once
owned and lost. Though often her limbs
ached and her head was weary with the
weight of work which fell 10 her share, she
never complained. Not once did she grow
fretful, or reproach her husband for taking
her so far away from all that she loved.
HE is doing the best he can" she always
said to herself, land what would palace be
without his lovel Besides, how much have
got to be grateful for" And somehow the
remembrance of their first evening in the log
cabin would always bring the tears to her
eyes. 1t was such real proof OF his love
and thoughtfulneSs for her.
When the next spring heightened into the
summer, and her sweet face began to wear a
tired look that he did not like to see, he came
to her one evening, saying gravely:
Ruth, pack your trunk tonight. To-mor-
row want to take you with me to San Diego.
Important business calls me there, and you
and Ruthe both need a change"
''But how can you leave the rancho" Ruth
asked, "just now, when you are most neededF
"Oh, Redly will take charge of the place
and the men will work for him as well as for
me-"
II Ruth had noticed him just then very
carefully, she might have seen twinkle in
his eye that would have made her suspicious
as to this "business trip" to San Diego. but
like dutiful wife she packed up and asked
no foolish questions.
When they reached San Diego, much to her
He gave the coachman some directions, and
they were driven to an elegant looking house
in the suburbs.
"Why, I didn't know you had friends here"
Ruth exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh, yes" said John. II have number
of them. This is the home of the best friend
have in the world"
"Whyl" John nearly took her breath
20 10, cl,I1 Nryt li,,,r
dress and Ruthe's shabbier cloak with dis
may, but she made up her mind to make the
best of it for Johns sake, anyway. lady
could always be lady, no matter how she
was dressed.
A neat Chinaman opened the door and ush
cred them into a handsome reception room
The house was beautiful inside, and every
thing was new and of the latest fashion
Ruth sank into a finely upholstered easy
chair with feeling of momentary content
For moment she almost wished she might
be the possessor of such q home, and then she
put aside the envious wish.
MAKE yourself 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 en-
cravings on the table near her.
Presently he returned, but not as she ex-
pected, with the master of the house, whom
she was feeling little in awe of.
Where is he3" she asked.
Here"
Here? Why, JOHN have you lost your
mind' There is no one with you. You and
are alone" She began 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 a stand in the middle
of the room, said with polite bow:
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow me to introduce
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 entreated
tell me what you meanm
"I'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 be-
longs to Ruth and John Delano. The ranch
and the log cabin were simply a trial of your
love- wanted to find out what kind of stuff
my wife was made Of"
"And did you find outr' 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. l know now
that her Iowa vas strong ennncrh To hraua all