The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1893-07-26

been in the fair home they mad 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 hus-
band for taking her so far from all that
she loved.
"He is doing the best that he cam"
she always said to herself, "and what
would a palace be without bis love?
Besides, how much have to be CRATE
full forl" Aud somehow the remem'
brance 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 tired look that he did not
like to see, he came to her one evening,
saying gravely:
ruth, pack your trunk tonight;
tomorrow l want to take you with me
to San Diego. Important business
calls me there, and you and Ruthie
both need a change"
"But how can you leave the ranch,"
Ruth asked, just now, when you are
most needed"
ooh, Redly will take charge of the
place, ard the men will work for him
as well as for me-"
If Ruth had noticed him Just then
very carefully, she might have seen a
twinkle in his eye that would have made
her suspicious as to this "business
trip " to San Diego, but like a dutiful
wife she packed up and asked no fool
ish 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, didn't know you had friends
here" exclaimed Ruth in surprise.
ooh, yes" said John. 81 have
number of them. This is the home of
the best friend l have in the world"
"Whyl" 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 any
way. A lady could always be lady,
no matter how she was dressed.
A neat servant opened the door and
ushered them into handsome recep-
ton room. The house was beautiful
inside, and everything was new and of
the latest fashion. Ruth sank into
finely upholstered easy chair with a
feeling of momentary content. For
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 see the master of
the house. He is probably in his
study. 1 will return when l have
spoken to him privately. l know he
will be delighted to know you are here
and will welcome YOU"
Chow strange John never told me
of this friend of his,' Ruth said to her.
self, looking at the handsome engrav-
ings on the table near her.
Presently he returned, but not, as
she expected, with the master of the
house, whom she was feeling a little in
awe of.
Where is hep" she asked.
Here"
Here? Why, John, have you lost
your mind? There is no one with you.
You and 1 are alone" She began 10
look frightened. What if John had
| really lOSb lis SGEcCc! liz ldu Scl-
tainly acted queer about this San Diego
trip.
To her further amazement he burst
into loud laugh, and taking stand in
the middle of the room said, with po-
lite bow:
Dear Mrs. Delano, allow me to ill.,
troduce to you the master of this
house, John Delano, Esq, your humble
servant. ] am monarch of all l survey
" John, you are surely going mad
and with you. For heavens sake,''
she entrealed, Z" tell me what you
meanp
"I'll tell you what l mean, little
wife," he said. 81 mean that came
to San Diego last year during the land
boom, went into real estate business
and cleared a small fortune. This is
your home, and all that is in it belong;
TO Ruth and John Delano. The ranch
!, and the log cabin were simply trial o.
your love. / wanted to find out what
kind of stuff my wife was made Of"
"And did you find out?" she asked
of him, womanlike, not knowing
/ whether to laugh or cry over this greaI
J JOY,
, the balance and found not wanting.
know now that her love for me wa;
r strong enough to brave all trials for me
Henceforth she shall be qneen of my
prosperity"
| 1T was very pretty little drama
l you chose to make me take the princi
, pal part in" she said, but l forgive
| you, and l am satisfied if you are"
" Completely" he answered, with {
t lovers kiss.
t "Do you know, dear john" sh'
whispered that night, as she held Ruthi'
up for her papa's goodnight kiss, " tina
t l doubt if | can ever be as happy any
where as was in that little log cabir
? of ours, in spite of all the hard work
did? Love never seemed before sucl
a sweet compensation for all of life
! trials"
5 "Well, if that isn't just like a wo
man." laughed her husband. Lik'
/ Lots wife, forever looking back. Civ
( her heaven, and two to one she'll b'
5 sorry she ever left earth"
4 nj hold hor