The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1901-02-08
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q AN INCIDENT OF y
q PRAIRIE LIFE. v
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y
- a sad look in her eyes. The dust
than the fower-dotted landscape II
seemed to dim all remembrance of the
long days of perfect weather when the
prairie seemed an Eden and strength |
and hope grew large with the fresh,
bracing air.
Some one came in with a heavy,
weary step and stopped a moment on
the threshold to look at the dropping !
figure. Then he approached her with
awkward tenderness, laying his toll
roughened hand on her shoulder.
whats the matter, Sarah?' he sad
softly.
There was a smothered WEAKNESS in
the tones, but her ears seemed deaf
that morning to anything but the
winds piercing voice. Half uncon-
sciously she drew q little away from
his hand
Its everything" she said, every
thingl Why did we ever come here, to
such wretchedness as thisT'
He did not attempt another caress,
except with his anxious eyes, and her
face was turned away from them, hid
den in her hands
She would have called after him and
chung to him if she could have seen the
look on his face as he went out-all the
patience and WEAKNESS Of 1t.
In just few minutes he was back
at her side.
SARAH" he said rather anxiously.
"what would you say to letting two
people come in for little rest? They've
stopped the wagon just a little way
from here. She seems 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
ooh, John, how can we, when it's so
= hard to keep up as it is? But go ask
a them in. If we can make 1t little
easier for them, we ought to, l sup
s pose"
Q ''You come with me-" coaxed John
q go get your hat, and We'll ask them
3 together"
: She gave a slight, protesting laugh
y but went nevertheless, clinging to his
S arm and almost resting her face some
i times on his shoulder.
+ They were very near the travellers
}, now. The tired horses, with detected
+ down bent heads, were snatching wha
J. little rest they could. In the covered
Y wagon sat the man and wOman-sucl
a hollow checked, large eyed man ant
l. such little slip of a wife. The no
y wind tapped the canvas cover and sen
L swirls of dust over the two occupant
: and their scanty possessions.
:. Some of the self pity that had dark
IL ened Sarah's face all the morning fade
out of it and was replaced by purei
= nObler look.
"a .'You must be tired out" Sarah b'
y gan, without preamble I'VE want 70
y to come up to the house for a little res
and to have dinner with us. Won
y your"
II A pleased smile breaking over tn
a young wife's face seemed almost
- fade out the little worried line betwee
% the dark eyes. An answering gleal
l., stole over the worn face at her sid
as but they both protested family. The
A. couldn't give so much trouble. 1t woul
re not be right
"a You come right alongw said job
ng with kindly authority. 1--WE want yo
v. so don't make any fuss about it. We
is take the horses into my barn. Let e
nj try my feed and a good bucket Of II
nv well water"
a. The two went off together, Sarah al
ZEE the little wife beating their way ba'
IL to the sod house. A look Of cheer al
St comfort seemed to be in its brow
or walls now. "How good it will seem
ge rest in a houser said the little vii
lie with happy sigh.
lar wouldn't you like to lie down
Of tie while till dinner is readyT sa
MS Sarah. "Come right into my room, al
ell lust feel that you are at home" A pI
all tecting kindliness had sprung up in b
a heart for this little creature with {
IN appealing eyes. you must be so
SIX and uncomfortable There's cold wal
tee in that pitcher, and III bring you sol
me warm. No, ii isn't a bit OF trouh
Oh Then you must rest until dinner"
'oO Unpleasant thoughts were far aw
as Sarah prepared the simple dim
- trying to make It as attractive as pos
II BILE. She would get out some Of
- wedding china. Why moth John wOl
~ enjoy a bright spot in the day for
~ strangers. She even picked bur
20, Of astralagus, making a centerpiece
the white, furry leaves. A sprig
wild geranium was laid at each pla
There were CHEEKY faces around
mt table, and Sarah's was not less bril-
than the faces Of the others.
MI --,,.,,t rtronoar caf a LITTLE m