Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-08-22

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
fortably, and under her deft fingers
all things began to bear 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 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 and 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
a 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
eyes. 1t was such real proof of his
1Au nd Il r., ha-
When the next Spring heightened
into the Summer, and her sweet face
began to wear tired look that he 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 change"
"But how can you leave the ranchp"
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 we'll as for me-"
If Ruth had noticed him 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 90
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
hereT" exclaimed Ruth in surprise.
"Oh, yes" said John, 81 have num-
Der of them. This is the home of the
best friend | have in the world"
''Whyn John nearly took her breath
away. She thought of her shabby
traveling-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 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 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, while | 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"
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 a little in
awe of.
"Where is hep" she asked.
Here"
"HereP 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 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 Delano, Esq, your hum
BILE 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
meanw
'rll tell you what 1 mean. little
wife" he said. Il mean that | came
to San Diego last year during the land
boom, went into real estate business
and cleared a small fortune. Inls 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. | wanted to find out
what kind of stuff my wife was made
off,
And did you find out?n she asked
of him, woman like, not knowing
whether to laugh or cry over this great
joy.
Indeed I 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.
Henceforth she shall be queen of my
prosperity
ut was very pretty little drama
you chose to have me take the princi-
pal part in" she said, .'but l forgive
you and l am satisfied if you are !"
Completely" he answered, with a