The suburban citizen., 1900-07-14

! y
such a little slip Of a wife! The hot
wind tapped the canvas cover, and
sent swlrls Of dust over the two oc-
cupants and their scanty possessions.
That they were scanty indeed, Hester
could not help seeing in the briefest
glance. A dry, attempting lunch the
wife was taking from a basket. Some
of the self-pity that had darkened
Hester's face all the morning faded
out of it, and was replaced by purer,
nobler look.
"You ask them, john" she said,
softly.
They'll like It better from you"
whispered her husband.
The face of the little wife in the
big wagon frightened visibly at her
approach.
"You must be tired out" Hester be-
gan, without preamble. 1--WE want
you to come up to the house for a
little rest and to have dinner with us.
Won't you"
A pleased smile breaking over the
young face seemed almost to fade out
the little worried line between the
dark eyes. An answering CLEAN stole
over the worn face at her side, but
they both protested family. They
couldn't give so much trouble; it
would not be right.
you come right along" said John,
with kindly authority. I'VE want you,
so don't make any fuss about it..
Wen take the horses into my barn;
let 'em try my feed and a good bucket
Of my well-water."
The two men went off together,
Hester and the little wife beating their
way back to the sod house. A look
Of cheer and comfort seemed to be
in its brown walls now. How good
it will seem to rest in a housew said
the little wife, with a happy sigh
Wouldn't you like to lie down a
little while till dinner is ready?" said
Hester Come right into my room,
and just feel that you are at home"
A protecting kindness had sprung up
in her heart for this little creature
with the appealing eyes. You must
be so hot and uncomfortable! There's
cold water in that pitcher, and I'll
bring you some warm. No, it isn't a
bit of trouble. Then you must just
rest until dinner"
Unpleasant thoughts were far away
as Hester prepared the simple dinner,
trying to make it as attractive as pos.
sible. She would get out some Of her
wedding china-why not? John would
enjoy it. and it might make bright
spot in the day for the strangers. She
even picked a bunch of astragalus,
making a centrepiece Of the white,
furry leaves A sprig of wild geran-
lam was laid at each plate.
There were CHEEKY faces around the
table, and Hesters face was not less
bright than the others.
The gaunt stranger sat a little more
erect now,and his face after even this
brief rest, seemed less sharply out
lined. The warm, human kindness
as well as the outward comfort had
wrought the change, and in some way
made 1t easier to remember in Whose
larger protecting care they were, and
would still be when rolling over the
brown prairie. Bit by bit their story
came out. The man told how he had
been a carpenter and builder in Iowa;
what a happy little home it had been,
and why they were flying now to the
untried world Of Colorado. that Mecca
for consumptlves. The gaunt man
and the young wife avoided the dread
ed word; they said, instead, people
with any sort Of lung trouble"
Hester's dish of canned wild plums
seemed to Ileet with special favor
from the gaunt man. He accepted the
pressing offer of third saucerful with
an apologetic laugh, and Hester men
tally schemed to convey a generous
supply to the canvas-cOvered wagon.
Il don't know when George has en-.
joyed anything So" said the little
wife. "Everything's so good! And
oh, how nice it feels to be rested!
Travelling viii be so much easier
now"
They went back to the sitting room.
John ana Hester talked cheerily Of the
prospective home in Colorado, and
brought out a book of views of the
wonderful scenery. The gaunt man
and his little wife bent over them with
keen interest. "It'll be a great move
for u.s." he said. 'It seemed to be
the only thing for us to do, and I'm
glad we're so near there. l feel more
heartened up to-day than any time
since we started. We won't forget
your kindness, l can tell you"
"Oh, pshaw" said John, and Don't
speak Of it" said Hester in a breath.
It's been 50 pleasant for us to have
your
1t was necessary to take up the Jour
ncy again. The two men went out
to the barn together.
The eyes Of the little wife sought
Hcstcr's. you have been so good
she said, almost in a whisper, 80 good
to take us in! This awful dust and
the heat l wouldn't have minded
them so much for myself, but it bas
bgen so bad for him. 1t makes the