Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1893-03-19

".
ing OF the pretty things she could buy ant
make for the cabin, and imagining nov
picturesque it would look covered will
Lady Banks roses, and how sweet the vic
let beds would be in the sprngtime
And 50 the very next day she set the hire,
man TO work laying off a garden, and al
that week ana The next she spent her spar,
Time III digging and hoeing and spading
Inc Following week John took her to tn,
nearest town, and she selected the various
articles she desired for the house. Sh,
managed TO furnish it quite comfortably
ana under her def fingers all things begaI
10 bear h0meiike look. The place lost il,
barren and shiftless look, and even the dos
harold seemed To feel the change. He ne
longer wandered aimfessfy about as though
seeking comfortable spot, but went II
sleep picture of perfect contentment OF
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 tn,
hardships she had TO endure-for life Is
hard for woman In a new c0antry-on
light wings for Ruth. She made the best
OF all 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 can" she
always said TO herself, "and what would a
palace be without his lover Besides, how
much ! have to be grateful fort" And
somehow the remembrance of their first
evening in the log cabin would ALWAYS
bring tears TO her eyes. IL 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
tired look that he did not like to see he
came to her one evening, saying gravely:
Ruth, pack your trunk tonight; tomor.
row 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 ranch, Ruth
asked, Just now, when you are most need
ed?"
oh, Redly will take charge OF the place
and the men will work for him as well as
for me"
III Ruth had noticed him Just then very
carefully, she might have seen "A twinkle in
his eye that would have made her sus
picious as to this business trip to San
Diego, but like a dutiful wife she packed
up and asked no foolish questions
When they reached San Diego much 70
her surprise, her husband did not 70 20 a
hotel. He gave the coachman some direc.
tons. and they were driven 20 an elegant
looking house in the suburbs.
why, | 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
have in the world"
"WhyW John nearly took her breath
away. She thought Of her shabby travel
ing dress and Ruthc'S shabbier cloak with
dismay, but she made up her mind to make
the best Of il for Johns sake anyway.
lady could always be II lady, no matter how
she was dressed
A neat servant opened the door aud ush.
cred them into handsomer reception
room. The house was beautiful inside. and
everything was new aud Of the latest fash
ion. Ruth sank into a finely upholstered
easy chair with "a feeling Of momentary con
tent For a moment she almost wished
she might be the poSscssor Of such "A 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 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, look.
ing 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 hep" she asked.
Here"
"Here' Why, John, have you lost your
nindp There is no one with you. You
md / are alone" She began TO look fright
med. What IL John had really lost his
'ensesi He had certainly acted queer
lbout this San Diego trip
To her further amazement he burst into |
! loud laugh, and taking stand in the /
middle OF the room said, with a polite bow. |
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow me to intro. /
luce 10 you the master Of this house, John /
)elano, Esq, your humble servant. lam
monarch Of all survey"
John, You are surely going mad, and 4
d, tell me what you mean"
I'll tell you what | mean, little wife"
e said. Il mean that came TO San Diego
asst year during the land boom, went into
cal estate business and cleared a small for.
une. This is your home, and all that is in
belongs to Ruth and John Delano The
anch and the log cabin were simplya trial
I your love. ! wanted 10 find out what
ind Of stun my wife was made Of
And did you find outt" she asked Of him.
not knowing whether to laugh
r cry over this great Joy.
Indeed ] did. She was weighed in the
alance and found not wanting know
ow that her love for me was strong enough
, brave all trials for me Henceforth she
nall be queen Of my prosperity"
1T was a very pretty little drama you
hose to make me take the principal part
!, she said, but forgive you. and / am
ltisfed il you are"
Completely" be answered, with a low