Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-11-21
MRS. BUSBY's IDOLS.


Mr.. Joseph Buaby eyed tho skt ~ h
leisurely walked from the barn to TIL
house. Tho morning sun was veilet
by Heecy mist, while low In th,
southwest . bank Of dark gray clouds
was visible.
After his prolonged scrutiny, Mr.
Busby pondered the matter. It wal
not until he had washed his hands and
face on the back kitchen porch and en-
tered the room where his wife wal
taking up the breakfast, that he said
''Pears like 1t might rain"
THAT is what you always say II
there's cloud In the sky" Mrs. Busby
said tartly. "I'll thank you to lit
that boiler on, just the same"
"Goen to wash? It's most certain to
rain"
Let 1t rain. haven't any patience
with such weather" and Mrs, Busby
rushed down cellar after pitcher Of
cream
Her husband never hurried. He put
tho boiler carefully on the stove, built
up good fire, and, in obedience to .
gesture from his wife, took his place
at the table.
Mr. Busby always thought before he
spoke. This time, after brief but
earnest blessing, he devoted himself to
ham, eggs and potatoes for five min
utes before saying in his usual drawl-
Ing voice:
THAT was powerful sermon Of the
elder Yesterday, Mirandy. I always
thought that text about Ephraim been
jined to This idols might apply TO some
OF us. Most everybody has idols Of
some sort or other"
Mrs. Busby stirred hergoldcn brown
coffee retiectively. Perhaps so. |
hope the people who needs it took Mr..
Ranton's fine application As for me !
once had an idol, but God took It,"
There was q pause. The thoughts Of
both husband and wife travelled TO the
parlor where hung the picture Of
child, wee maiden with laughing blue
eyes and dlmpled arms. 1t was the
picture Of little Leah, their only child,
whose death twenty years before had
left the old farm homo desolate.
Mr. Busby's heart was too deeply
stirred by memories Of his child to
speak But when dash Of rain came
against the window pane his wife ex.
claimed Grossly;
There, It's raining. And II Idon't
wash Monday nothing goes right all
the week"
"Tain't an idol, 1t, Mirandy?" The
good man Of the house pushed back
from the table. Now, 1t don't seem
Jest right to DO so sot as you air on
dozen your work exactly as you want
to. 1t pears to me 1t might DO an
idol"
What An Ideal Just look there,
Joseph. See that dirty spot on the
tablecloth where you've rubbed your
old coat sleeve. This tablecloth was
clean yesterday morning and now 1t
must 60 in the wash, making three
this week. l do wish you would be
more careful"
why, now, Mirandy, do try to b
careful. wish you would use colored
tablecloths, | thought you bought
some turkey red ones"
Eyes, did buy them" and look Of
disgust crossed the face opposite MIR.
Busby. but | want 1t understood
am not going to use EN-. I will work
my fingers to the bone before I'll set
my table with anything but white
cloth, and she stroked the glossy linen
approvingly.
II know, Mirandy, but maybe that's
another Idol. You see, you think q
sight Of such things"
Now, Joseph Busby, II you are go
ing TO talk such nonsense as that you
better get to work. Just see there.
The sun Is shining. So you see II was
right for me to wash after ALL
Maybe so,' and the eyes Of the
'imple-hearted man softened as no
ooked through the east windowat the
young foliage from which the
ain drops were yet falling, Maybe 80,
You air an uncommon
woman and have been q good wife to
he for twenty-seven years You haln't
rot many Idols, Mirandy, not half a.
many as l have. But this always
hinken your way 10 best"
See here, Joseph Busby," there was
IN undertone Of almost Aerceness In
Ter voice. II think such twisting Of
he Scriptures'is sinful. II l have idols,
can tend to EN-, that's all, and Mira
}usby strobe into her bedroom and