Evening journal., 1892-11-03


ton Of the Udtilt door.
It was growing dark when Anita came
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
woodland wake one day to find all
their cries and petitions Of no more
avail to move Gods mercy than 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 Donalds love, the
only good Of life she had feared to lose
and now, at last, she had Gods answerl
There was a sweet, dewy freshness
about the place that fell soothingly on
her fevered spirit, although she scarce
perceived it, A local ordinance, de-
signed to economize 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 greenery
with fond solicitude only appreciable
in a country naturally scanty Of vegeta-
tion, and, with the instructive unreason
of humankind, enjoyed natures rich
gifts the more in proportion to the price
she demanded.
At a certain corner, where n somewhat
pretentious modern house stood well back
beyond a velvety swell of lawn, Anita
hesitated, glancing at little man who,
with an air of grave importance, was alb
sorbed in watching the eccentric gyra-
tions of a new kind of sprinlling 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 n good time,
like a schoolboy," he exclaimed, his tone
implying how gravely apology might bo
demanded when a 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
ftamp of insignifcance upon him, he had
never acquiesced in her caprice, and he
could not have done more to Danish such
a thought from other minds than by his
complacent air of rating himself 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 a 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, itwould not have entered her mind
to feel otherwise than small beside him.
"IIave you observed how men never
outgrow the weakness for playing with
fire and waterl' he went on; chow we
all enjoy fire, and what fun we can
have out Of garden hose? But surely you
are coming inT surprised as she stood
still. Mrs. ingalls, win be delighted
to see your
mot tonight, thanks. l came to SEE
you, Mr.. Ingalls," with a dazzling smile
Anita's face had the Mexican quality Of
alternating between an apathetic reposC
that was almost duh and ifeless and al
excessive animation the more brilliantly
dazzling by contrast, when excitement
reused the slumbering fire Of her eyel
and called out the soft rose flush on hei
creamy cheeks Mr.. Ingalls, found him
self marveling that he had never before
observed what beautiful woman Mrs
13artels was but he was none the les
warily mindful that ladies who called tC
see him generally carried subscription
papers in their pockets, and his admira-
tion did not prevent a certain stiffenins
of his features, a subtle hint of his ca
pacity to say "No." while he waited L
hear her errand. "But won't you com,
in. Just the same?" he courteously sng
gested
"No-thanks. | merely wanted T.
know if you could possibly cash a checl
for me tonight"
The banker. relieved Of his first ap