Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1892-08-18

things began to wear homelike air. The
place lost its barren and shiftless look, anC
even the dog, Harold, seemed to feel the
change. He no longer wandered aimlessly
about as though seeking q comfortable
spot, but went to sleep picture OF con
tentment on one of the soft rugs In the
sitting-room, keeping one Jealous eye al
ways 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 woman In a new country-ou
light wings for Ruth. She made the bes,
OF all her trials. and was sweet and con.
tented as she had been in the fair home
they had once owned and lost Though
/ often her limbs achej and her head was
weary with the weight of work which fell
f, to her share, she never complained. Not
once did she grow fretful nor reproach
] her husband for taking her SO far away
from all that she loved.
| He is doing the best he can" she al.
| ways said to herself, land what would a
palace be without his love? 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 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 tired look that he did not like to
see, he came to her one evening, saying
gravey;
Ruth. pack your trunk tonight To-
morrow | want to take you with me to
San Diego. Important business calls me
there, and you and Ruthie need 4 change" "
But how can you leave the ranch"
Ruth asked, Just now. when yen are most
needed?"
"oh, Reddy will take charge OF the
place, and the men will work for him as
well as for me-
If Ruth had noticed him just then very
carefully, she might have seen twinkle
in his eye that would have made her sus-
picious as to bis business trip" to San
Diego; but like dutifu wife she packed
up and asked no foolish questions
When they reached San Diego, much
10 her surprise her husband did no, 20 10
hotel. He gave the coachman some a.
rections, and they were driven TO an ele-
CANT looking house In the suburbs
Why. didn't know you had friends
here !" Ruth exclaimed in surprise.
"ob, yes" said John. Il have mum.
Der OF them. This Is the home of the
best friend have in the world"
Why" John nearly took her breath
away. She thought OF her shabby travel
Ing dress and Ruthie's shabbier cloak with
dl>msy. but she made up her mind to make
the best Of it foI Johns sake, anyway. A
lady could always be a lady no matter how
she wss dressed
neat Chnaman opened the door aud
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 n feeling Of mo-
mentary content. For moment she al
most wished she might be the possessor
Of such 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 20
know you are here and welcome YOU
How strange John never told me Of
this friend Of his" Ruth said 10 herself as
she amused herself looking at the hand
some engraying- on the table near her
Presently he returned, but not a. she
expected with the master of the house.
whom she was feeling a little In awe Of
Where is her she asked
Here"
Here: Why. John, have you lost your
mimi: There is no one with you. You
and | are alone" She began to look
frightened. What If John had really lost
hi- senses. He had certainly acted queer
about this San Diego trip
To her further amazement, he burst in
to loud laugh, aud taking a stand In the
middle Of the floor said with q polite
bow
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow he 70 intro
duce to you the master of this house, John
Delano, Esq, your humble servant am
monarch Of all ! survey"
John, you are surely going mad and
with you. For heavens sake" she en-
treated. tell me what you mean"
IN tell you what mean, little wife"
he said II mean that came 10 San
Diego last year during the land boom,
went into real estate business and cleared
small fortune. This is your home and
all that is in it belongs 10 Ruth and John
Delano. The ranch and log cabin was
simply trial Of your love. | wanted to
ind out what Kind of stuff my wife was
made of.
And did YOU find out?" she asked Of
him womanlike, not knowing whether 10
Iau@h 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. lIenceforth she
shall be queen of my prosperity
1t was very pretty little drama you
chose 10 have me take the principal part
in" she said; "but forgive you and am
satisfied If you are"
Completely" he answered, with low
er's kiss.
DO you know, dear John" s,he whis-
pered that night, as she held Ruthie up
for papa's good night kiss, that doubt
if can ever be a happy anywhere as
was In that little log cabin of ours. in
spite of all the hard work | did. Love
never seemed before such sweet com
pensation for all of life's trials
We'll, if that isn't just like woman :.
laughed her husband. Like Lots wife
forever looking hack. 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
remembrance.