Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-11-27
az MARION DICKINSON

low, breaking the
silence that had long brooded in the
room. Her husband rose stifHy and
crossed to the window.
"She's jest comm into view," he
said, his eyes on the point where the
village road emerged from the screen
interposed by his own orchard. His
face frightened as the 1.-THE young
figure came briskly along beneath
the arch of winter boughs. Letitia
always conveyed the impression of
Astounding, radiant joy. In a mo-
ment she spied him and waved her
muff gayly.
The Harlow house was but slightly
removed from the street, it's severe,
uncompromising front unadorned
save for the fan light above it's green
door. Letitia deprecatingly eyed
this door as she hurried in at the
side gate. It had always been a
trial to her; but, to her petitions that
it be replaced by one of modern
make, her father had unexpectedly
in his fathers day, and so it should
remain while he had any say in the
matter.
"Something uncommon must have
happened to Lefty, mother" Mr.. Har-
low said, as the girl gleefully waved
q letter in passing the window.
"Letty is always bubbling over
about somethin'." she said, placidly.
''It beats all the amount of pleasure
she gets out of everyday affairs. And
she isn't one to be always askin' for
things, either"
"That's so-that's so," her husband
assented; ''but this is somethin' ex-
ira, I'll be bound" and he turned
eagerly to the pretty vision that at
that moment appeared in the door
way.
cts letter from John, with such
a wonderful surprise! You read it,
father" Letitia urged, thrusting it
into his hands. Mrs. Harlow, look
ing at the pretty face with it's stray
ing dimples and radiant eyes, smiled
alphabetically at her impotence,
while Mr.. Harlow fumbled for his
glasses, and, drawing near the VIM
dow to catch the fading light upon
the sheet, began to read. But, after
the opening sentences, Mrs. Harlow
forgot her daughter. Her eyes
dropped to the glimmering needles
and the comely old face betrayed no
Ct o. ho o,.1 .1oo+ I,
which she listened to her sons pro-
feet. Mr.. Harlow stumbled OCCASION
ally in the reading, shifting impa-
tiently as if for better light, and
clearing his throat at intervals. The
letter ran thus:
Chicago, January II, 1899.
Dear Lefty: have been thinking of you
oil good deal of late, and wishing that
I could do something to make you more
comfortable. I know that the farm meets
all running expenses, and that father has
enough laid by for the future, so that you
have no cause for worry. The house is
old, however, and lacking in conveniences.
and new house would make life easier.
I have been lucky in my copper stocks
and made more than I expected, so mean
to share my good fortune with you. I
inclose check made payable to your or.
der, and place the whole matter in your
hands. will suggest, however, that you
build upon the knoll beyond the orchard,
as there is a pretty view of the river at
that point Get city architect to draw
up your plans, but put all else into Mason's
charge, as he is a reliable man.
Love to mother. father and yourself.
Your affectionate brother,
JOHN HARLOW.
With the last words, Letitia could
not be longer repressed. "Dear old
john" she cried. 'tIsn't it amazing!
Oh, l have so wished for q different
house, but never dreamed we would
have one!" y .- ..-....s
"A different house! But, crushing
. down her dismay, the mother spoke
bravely, the echo of her own words
still ringing in her ears. It was true
that Lefty was not one "to be ask
ing things" Should she stand in the
way of this hearts desire? .<>.
Indeed it is amazing!" she said.
heartily. John is, a good boy, and
mindful of our comfort, though he
has been SO long from home. I
supposed he sent quite tidy little
sum-" and she held out her hand for
the check that her husband silently
proffered. "Sakes alive! Does he
mean US to- spend ali that on q
house r. zzTs. s.: /. ii ..af z* f.s f.
s'.I don't know what to say" her
husband murmured in bewilderment.
He was puzzled at the manner in
Which his wife accepted this aston
tshing plan. He had supposed-but
women were unaccount able. Then,
+ he,s too % 1914 81 III Eager face
3 md his own soft tened. Z
so you're pleased are you, little
fgirl?? and lie Pine Fed 81 sf pink ear.
I Well, well its hard Is teach old