St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1893-08-03

next she spent her spare time in dig
ging 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 comfortably, and under her
deft fingers all things began to bear
a homelke look. The place lost it's
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 perfect contentment 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-on light wings for Ruth.
She made the best of her trials, and
she 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 her 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 that he cam"
she always said to herself, land
what would place 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
tears to her eyes. 1t was such real
proof of his love and thoughtfulness
for her.
When the next spring heightened
into summer, and her sweet face
began to wear a tired look that he
did not like to see, he came to her
one evening, saying gravely:
Ruth, pack your trunk tonight;
tomorrow | want to take you with
me to San Diego. Important bust
LESS calls me there, and you and
Ruthie both need a change"
But how can you leave the
RANCH" Ruth asked, lust 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
twinkle in his eyes that would
have made her suspicious as to this
business trip" to San Diego, but
like 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, l didn't know you had
friends here!" exclaimed Ruth in
surprise.
"Oh, yes" said John. II have a
number of them. This is the home
of the best friend l have in the
world"
WHY" John took her breath
away. She thought Of her shabby
travelling 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 servant opened the door
and ushered them into a handsome
reception room. The house was
beautiful inside, and everything was
new and OF the latest fashion. Ruth
sank into a finely upholstered easy
chair with feeling Of momentary
content. For a moment she almost
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 l see the master of
the house. He is probably in his
study. will return when l have
spoken to him privately. | know he
will be delighted to know you are
here and will welcome you"
How strange John never told me
of this friend of his Ruth said to
herself, looking at the handsome
engravings 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 he ?" she asked.
Here"
Here? Why, John, have you lost
your mind? There is no one with
YOU. You and l are alone" She
began to look frightened. What if
John had really lost his senses" He
had certainly 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 polite bow:
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow me to
introduce to you the master of this
house, John Delano, Esq, your
I