Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1892-01-15

~ Was 5IOWlLk udIk WQ6u kAulbd CetI10
laggingly back into the town, and the
church bells were clamoring their invi-
tations to the weekly prayer meeting,
Anita laughed bitterly as she heard
them. Let the fools go and pray if they
would-and wake one day to find all
their cries and petitions of no more
avail to move Gods mercy than a puff
Of wind How many times had she
prayed, tears of passionate earnest in her
eyes, that she might be given the sweet
power to hold forever Donald's love, the
only good of life she had feared to lose
and now, at last, she had Gods answerl
There was sweet, dewy freshness
about the place that fell soothingly on
her fevered spirit, although she scarce
perceived it. A local ordinance, de-
signed to economic the water supply,
restricted the sprinkling of lawns to this
part of the day, and the cool dripping of
water was everywhere promising new
life to the dusty gardens, and every
clean washed tree and shrub seemed
tremulous with joy from its refreshing
douche. Orodelphia nursed its Sreenery
with fond solicitude only appreciate
in country naturally scanty of vegeta-
of humankind, enjoyed nature's rich
gifts the more In proportion to the price
she demanded.
At certain corner, where a somewhat
pretentious modern house stool we'll back
beyond velvety swell of lawn. Anita
hesitated, giancing at little man who,
with an air of grave Importance, was alb
sorbed in watching the eccentric gyra-
tions of new kind of sprinkling attach
ment on his garden hose. This was the
cashier of the bank where Donald kept
his account. He recognized Mrs Bar
tells, as she irresolutely paused, and
started to open the gate for her, his rub
Der overshoes pompously pattering on
the stone walk.
"You find me having a good time,
like schoolboy," he exclaimed, his tone
implying how gravely apology might be
demanded when man of his dignity
was discovered bending himself to any
thing so small as the sprinkling of a
lawn. If nature had meant to put the
stamp of insignificance upon him, he had
never acquiesced in her caprice, and he
could not have done more to Danish such
thought from other minds than by his
complacent air of rating himself a giant
among men. The world in its hurry is
generally disposed to accept a man at
his own valuation, particularly if his
opinion is blessed with rich financial
backing. Mrs. Bartels might have count
ed the little holes pierced in the crown
of his felt hat, as he opened the gate for
her, but, even had she been less preoccu-
pied, it would not have entered her mind
to feel otherwise than small beside him
"HaVe you observed how men never
outgrow the weakness for playing with
fire and water?" he went on; "how we
all enjoy fire, and what fun we can
have out of a garden hose? But surely you
are coming in?" surprised as she stood
still. Mrs Ingalls, will be delighted
to see your"
mot tonight, thanks. came to see
you, Mr.. ingalls,, with dazzling smile.
Anita's face had the Mexican quality of
alternating between an apathetic repose
that was almost dull and ifeless and an
excessive animation the more brilliantly
dazzling by contrast, when excitement
reused the slumbering fire of her ewes
and called out the soft rose flush on her
creamy cheeks. Mr.. Ingalls, found him
self marveling that he had never before
observed what beautiful woman Mrs
Bartels was, but he was none the less
warily mindful that ladies who called to
see him generally carried subscription
papers in their pockets and his admira-
ton did not prevent certain stiffening
OF his features, q subtle hint of his ca
pacity to say NO" while he waited to
hear her errand tERut won't vo,, Gonna
in, just the sameT' he courteously sug-
gested.
"No-thanks. merely wanted to
know if you could possibly cash a check
for me tonight"