Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1900-07-07

uSaTSSt 10 ncr.
Wen see" she said briefly.
There's SO much to think over
first. But it's good of you John. to
plan IL So"
She would have called after him
and chung to him if she could have
seen the look on his face as he went
out-al the WEAKNESS of it, and the
patience and the brave anticipation of
the loneliness to come.
In just a few minutes he was back
at her side.
Hester" he said, rather anxiously,
what would you say to letting two
people come in for little rest {?
They'vestopped the wagon just little
way from here. She seems a childish
young thing, and he looks as if the
world had been too much for him
he's so thin and sickly- looking. What
do you say to bringing them IMP"
20 John, how can we, when it's so
hard to keep up as it is?''
HE looks real sick and worn" re-
peated her husband; and that brought
the response he knew it would.
go ask them, them" said Hester.
''If we can make it little easier for
them, we ought to, 1 suppose"
You come with me-" coaxed John.
go get on your hat. and wen ask
them together"
She gave a slight protesting laugh,
but went, nevertheless, clinging to his
arm, and almost resting her face
sometimes on his shoulder.
What a countryi" she said, half
under her breath. 'Dust, dust, dust,
everywhere! You breathe it and taste
1T aud get your eyes blinded by it'll"
They were very near the travellers
now. The tired horses, with detected,
down-bent heads, were snatching
what little rest they could. In the
covered wagon sat the man and wom-
an-such hollow-cheeked, large-eyed
man, and such a little slip of wifei
The hot wind tapped the canvas
cover, and sent swirls of dust over the
two occupants and their scanty pos
sessions. That they were very scanty.
indeed, Hester could not help seeing
in the briefest glance. dry, un-
tempting lunch the wife was taking
from basket. Some of the self-pity
that had darkened Hesters 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 ap-
proach.
"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
your"
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 alongl" said John.
with kindly authority. 1--WE want YOU,
so don't make any fuss about it.. Wen
take the horses into my barn; let 'em
try my feed and good bucket of my
well water.
The two men went off together, Hes
ter 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 housed" said the
little wife, with happy sigh.
wouldn't you like to lie down a
little while till dinner is readyP" said
Hester. Come right into nv room.
and just feel that you are at home"
a protecting kindliness 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 lust
rest until dinner"
Unpleasant thoughts were far away
as Hester prepared the simple dinner,
trying to make IL as attractive as
possible. She would get out some of
her wedding china-why not? John
would enjoy 1t, and it might make a
bright spot in the day for the
strangers. She even picked bunch
OF astragalus, making centerpiece of
the white. furry leaves. A sprig of
Wild geranium was laid at each plate.
There were CHEEKY faces around the
table. and Hester's was not less bright
than the others.
The gaunt stranger sat little more
erect now, and his face, after even this
brief rest, seemed less sharply outlined.
The warm, human kindness as well
as the outward comfort had wrought
the change, and in some way made it
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
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