Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1889-08-08

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laughing and crying in the same
breath. How could she ever be home
sick again2
And that night, instead of CRYING
herself to sleep, as she had thought
that afternoon to do, she lay awake
from very JOY, thinking of the pretty
things she could buy and make for the
cabin, and imagining how picturesque
it would look covered with Lady
Banks roses, and how sweet the violet
beds would be in the Spring time.
And so the very next day she set the
hirec man TO work laying of a garden,
and all that week and the next she
spent her spare time in digging and
hoeing and spading. The following
week John took her to the nearest
town, and she selected the various
articles she desired for the house.
She managed to furnish it quite COM
fortablv, and under her deft fingers
all things began to bear homelike
air. The place lost its barren and
shiftless look, and even the dog
Harold seemed to feel the change. He
no longer wandered aimlessly about,
as though seeking 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,
Ruthie.
The months sped by, in spite of all
the hardShips she had to endure-for
life is hard for a woman in a new
country-on light wings for Ruth. She
made the best of all her trials, and was
as sweet aud contented as if she had
been in the fair home they had owned
and lost Though often her limbs
ached and her head was weary with
the weight of work which fell to heI
share. she never complained. Not once
did she grow fretful or reproach her
husband for taking her so far from all
that she loved.
HE is doing the best he can, she al
ways said to herself, "and what would
palace be without his love? Besides,
how much have to be grateful for"
And somehow the remembrance of
their first evening in the log cabin
would always bring the tears to her
ewes. 1t was such a 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 ne did
not like to see, he came to her one eve
ming, saying gravely:
Ruth pack your trunk tonight
Tomorrow | want to take YOU with
me to San Diego. Important business
calls me there, and you and Ruthie
both need a 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
as well as for me"
truth had noticed lin just then
very carefully she might have seen a
twinkle in his eye that would have
made her suspicious as to this "busi-
ness trip to San Diego; but like a
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'tknow you had friends
here!" exclaimed Ruth in surprise.
"Oh, yes said John, Il have num-
Der of them. This is the home of the
best friend ha in the world"
"Whym John nearly took her breath
away She thought of her shabby
traveing-dress and Ruthie's 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 beauti-
full inside, and everything 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 possossor of such home,
and then she put aside the envious
wish.
MAKE yourself at home, dear"
John said, .'whle | see the master of
the house. He is probably in his study.
| will return when have spoken with
him privately. | know he will be de-
lighted to know you are here and will
welcome YOU
How strange John yer told me
of this friend of his Ruth said to her.
self looking at the handsome engraV-
ings on the table near her.
Presently he returned, but not, as
she expected, with the master Of the
house, whom she was feeling little in
awe Of
"Where is hep" 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 certain-
" acted queer about this San Diego
trip.
To her further amazement he burst
into a loud laugh, and taking a stand
in the middle of the room, said with a
polite bow;
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow me to in
troduce to you the master Of this
house. John Demno, ESD, your hum