The Indianapolis journal., 1893-09-10
Phil told aboutlt at the mali

ing machine. Phil told about 1t at the mail
station that evening. and several ranchers
rode over to see HIS Julie" as they called
him, at his housewifeiy labors.
1t was inquisitorial torture to Julian.
who like most practical jokcrs. did not en-
JOY having the tables turned on himself.
At last he pleaded with Hiram about car
rying his joke too far. He said bis vaca-
tion was mp. and that If he did not return
at once TO Westville he would lose hia
place in the store.
But Hiram told him that such moe,
pert younx man readily could get another
place. and that he wanted TO get his
moneys worth out OF the things he'd
bought for him before he let him 60.
Julian had raised and shattered the
sweetest dream that had ever come into
Hiram's hard life, and his wounded feel
ings found relief in venting themselves In
tyranny over the cu,Drt.
He kept him at the ranch for several
weeks, until he was heartily tired OF his
company. and then sent him 20 town on an
errand one day. with careful instructions
how to get there.
Julian did not return. Hiram had not
expected him to. He found the horse he
had loaned him at the livery stable. and
brought 1t out the first time he went TO
town.
"He knows some new accomplishments
to teach the fellows at his store who had
fun off my letters" said Hiram. as he
jagged along the road back TO the ranch;
he can make cup OF coffee iustrate. ana
can fetch a tome or two out OF the organ,
and I've got six new shirts that couidn'
get into If | tried: and | reckon he won't
be quite so smart at playin' jokes as be was.
I'm glad he's gone. and tonight I'm go!n'
straight over 10 Peters and ask Bessie by
word of mouth TO be my wife,"
The Peters family were collected IN the
sitting-room when Hiram called. 1t was
soon evident to them ALL from their ylsi-
tors unusually smart appearance ana pre-
occupied manner that he had come on
some important errand. AS he directed his
attention chiefly to Bessie's remarks. Mrs.
Peters took the children off To bed and
sent Phil. with n knowing look, to shut the
chlckenhouse door.
When they were left alone Hiram grave
ly studied BessIc's face as she sat twisting
her white apron self-cOnsciOusly.
Bessie" ho said at length. you've seen
my place since fixed 1t mp. ,ain't youf"
Il think IT'S awful nice.' said Bessie.
with little giggle.
There was another pause.
Bessie" be began again. did you ever
happen 10 have q grandmother
Lands. yes. of course" said Bessie.
"A nice old lady that lived in little
house on the outskirts of town.
mo. she didn't: she lived along with my
Amt Jane In Pelltown, lowy."
Did you used to go to see her and-and
tend her when she was siokg"
Indeed l didn't. Aunt Jane did all that
W
made. She was cranky. and she was
everlasting coming to stay with us when
she wasn't wanted. | mus say. Hi you do
ask funny questions"
IL jest wanted 10 KNOW" said Hiram.
apologetieally. III suppose you can cook
most likely, Bessiei"
Just drop in 20 tea some night we know
you're coming and try me-"
And can sew on the sewing machine"
well. make ALI my own clothes on it
and run up seams for mas and the chill.
dren's"
And you play on the organp
We'll. i should say so, Why. I've took a
whole quarters lessons. Want i should
play for youp
"Oh. no. thank2 you." said Hiram. He
rose and stood awkwardlv for a moment.
Guess I'll havo TO be goln'." he said.
Good night. Bessie. Say good night to
Your ma for me. will your i feel like
ought TO be hung for meanness." he said. as
he rode slowly homo In the keen. thin air
across the moonlIghted plains. ''Bu. |
She'd try TO boss me. She was only Jest
goin' To larn all them things. and planned
how I'd sit by and watch her. And when
/ thought of Bessie trampin about the
house-she'd have had O soft step. l know
dom the things she was TO have done,
and setting In that bay window. where
could see her from the front Of the house.
why. my feelin's went plumb down TO 10y
boots. and | couldn't have asked her "a
| marry me If I'd been shot for not doin' il. y
The white ranch looked very pretty In
| the quiet moonlight when Hiram reached
home. and tho little gray cat he bad raised
| from kitten for Julie came out from the
| doorway ana twisted herself In loving vel.
l come about hie LEGS. Hiram STONED down