The Lewiston teller. (Lewiston, Idaho) 1900-1905, 1901-10-24

~r~~.~S~~~~~~~~~~~> By
the kitchen sink grew to gigantic pro
portions. Then the good farmer began
to look about him and to remember all
the little duties she had assumed 30
uncemplainingly. while he looked on,
with unseeing and selfish eyes.
He cast his mind about to see II there
was any one among all his neighbors
who could give him HIT" until her
return. Then he sighed as he realized
that none Of them understood his ways
as she did, not one could do everything
just as he had been accustomed to hav-
Ing 1t done, and he waited alone for her
return.
He took to making long trips to the
adjacent city, and each time after he
returned some article needed In the
well-regulated household, or some la
bor-saving device, always came with
him and was set up to await her ar
rival.
One day. I man came over from the
upholstery department Of q big store
yonder. opened the dusty blinds that
had shaded the long parior windows,
and hung behind the small panes OF
glass some frost-like lace curtains. The
next day, painters swung their ladders
to the root, and the big farmhouse be-
gan to rejoice as they laid coat Of
spotless white against Its sides. A new
range was set up In the kitchen; q re-
frigerator took the place of the swing
Ing shelves in the damp cellar. and
some thousands Of steps were saved,
or would be when she came home.
The farmer arose early, ate In silence
bis lonesome breakfast. and walked
thoughtful;y out through the gate and
down the lane In the rank grass behind
the brown-eyed cattle he was driving to
pasture. At noon he rested.
Shouldering his scythe. he walked
briskly up to the lonely dwelling to
which, by this time, he was becoming
reluctantly accustomed, and stopped
with one foot on the sunken doorstone.
He had left the door shut. Now it was
wide open. The top Of the new range
sent out waves Of fervent heat which
mingled with the scintillating sun
waves outside and set the air to throb-
bling. There was great Gathering of
stove-lids and kettle-covers; and in the
midst Of 1t all little woman in clean
calico gown, red spot glowing bright
" In either cheek, and q half-laughing,
half-defiant light In the eyes raised as
he entered.
well, JosiahT' she said, shortly, as
he dropped into chair near the door.
He regarded her with look OF sheep
ish admiration.
$50 you've come home, Mirandy," be
said. pleasantly. "Wall. rs powerful
glad. I'VE missed We all the time you've
been gone. It's been lonesomer'n thun-
der. an The rose, and coming to her
side, looked down on her from his su-
perior stature-'an'," he continued, the
least bit shamefacedly. ..Isve fixed
things up bit better for ye. Do you
like it?''
There was an almost lover-like ear
nestness in the tone in which this ques-
ton was asked. and she hesitated
moment in genuine surprise before re-
plying.
why. yes, Josiah. It looks real nice.
This stove Is a fine baker. I've been
awful busy sence come back"
A little smile curved the corners of
her mouth as she made this reply, but
he did not notice that. He was fun
bling In his vest pocket with his thumb
and finger
There's some things, Of course" he
said. quite humbly, ''thet woman can
git handier'n man. I'll give you the
money. any day you say. an you an
NELL drive over to the city an git what
ever you think you need. guess l !
hain't noticed how the house was run
MIN down." he added. half apologetic-
ally.
A real twinkle cleaned in the droop-
Ing eyes for a moment. then faded as
. look Of genuine compassion dawned
In Its stead.
Il knew you was lonesome" she said,
q Urine irrelevantly to his last utter
ance, but thought you could stand
1t, an'-an' l needed the rest"
"Oh. yes, l got along all rights
wells a man can alone. reckon he ,
made reply. Then with sudden
movement he pulled himself together
and asked the question he had been
dying to put to her since he had come
In from the field.
"MiEandy," he said, solemnly, and
she turned to him again as his voice fell |
on her ear. Il want ye to tell me one
thing. ef you will; amt askin. 1t II We |
amt williQ' to tell, but'-hesitatingly-
Il would like to know"
"Welly' she interpolated. coolly.
Where hev VOC kep' yourself :