The evening Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1902-1902, 1902-09-10
LOTS STRATEGY.
BY SUSAN BROWN ROBBINS.

His voice broke at the last words
and he turned away from her.
Maria looked at his back, and
there was an expression on her face
Of mingled pity, contempt and
amusement.
1--WE been here three days, Lot, :"
she said quietly, land I've seen that
you are pair OF foolish children.
But before I go on I want to ask
you if you have got over caring for
her.
Lot looked at her with 10 dlgnation
too strong for words.
II didn't think you had. said his
sister, in a tone Of relief. III you
habit would be a serious state Of
affairs; but. as yon haven't l don't
see any difficulties.
"You must admit that she isn't
happy he said. at lengeh.
"Yes.'
But, don't GU see. it must be me
because abe don't see anybody else
hardly.
She settled herself more comforta.
bly, on the grain chest and began to
speak deliberately. Don't you know
that when two people, l don't care
who they are. live on a looely farm
and don't see ANYBODY but each other
for weeks at a time-don't you
know that they are. bound to get
morbid and imagine oil sorts Of
thingsabout themselves and each
other? That Is why so many farmers
wives 20 insane.
"But what can do?" Lot asked. a
look of terror in his face. I've tried
to get her to 60 places with me, but l
can't"
"I'll tell YOU, said Maria decisive
ly.
1.-THE first nice day take her out
over the farm aud spend the day Ill
see to things while you are goner and
III put up a lunch for you Sl'ow her
all you're doing and plan to do SO. Take
her to the pretty places and, most Of
all, make love to her as though your
life depended on it.
81 don't believe she'd 60. Icould
not persuade her. You've no idea
how set she Is. ~
Maria looked at her brother scorn-
fully.
perhaps you never heard Of such
q thing as strategy"
She turned away and walked out
Of the barn.
For a long time he stood looking al
his Grandfather Stetson' 3 old covered
wagon. 1t had been considered an
elegant affair in its day, but now it
was seldom taken out, except when
some of the children came home at
Thanksgiving or for short visits.
He took out his jacknite and
opened it, felt of the edge then got
into the wagon and knelt down on
the seat. Very carefully, and foil
owing the thread in the cloth, he
cut a slit two inches long lin the
back Of the seat. He picked at the
cotton batting stuffing with the
point Of his knife. Then he ct
the flap go back in place the cotton
batting bowling little all along the
cut. THAT looks very NATURAL" he
muttered.
The next morning Lot spoke to
his sister when Eunice was in an
other room. Just as soon as the
dew gets off some" he said, and
she nodded with look of compre-
hension. Soon after breakfast she
carried to the barn large covered
basket, Il demijohn of cold tea, a
shawl and her sister-in-law's snn-
bonnet. These Lot helped her stow
away under the back seat.
At 9 o'clock Lot came into the
house. "Im gong to start IF with
the Old covered wagon in little
whie,' he said, "and | find there's
tear or a cut in the back Of the
seat. Do you suppose you could
mead it?'
Eunice went to get her work.
basket. She found piece Of green
cloth and pulled some ravelings
from it. then she went out and got
into the covered wagon aud set
quietly and patiently to work.
Lot watched her furtvely from
the barn. When he thought she
was nearly half through he began
Harvesting with feverIsh haste.
What if she should get through too
soon? She looked around as he
backed the horse into the shafts.
'Im not quite through yet, Lot"
she said, mildly.
Don't hurry" he answered. He
waited with the reins IN his hand
until she had taken the last stitch;
then be jumped in, sat down beside
her and spoke TO the horse.
Eunice half started to her feet, but
he laid his hand gently on her arm,
and she sank back again.
1--WE are going to ride over the
farm" he said, quietly.
He drove on. talking rapidly about
his plans. recalling incidents Of the
haymaking and speaking Of the
getting In OF the ensiIase.
Eunice was silent, and in spite OF
his lively chatter, Lot was anxious.
In the middle Of the pasture Lot
stopped the horse and glanced about
Some Of the cows were feeding near,
and they lifted their heads to look
with big inquiring eyes.
pretty good looking cattle. l call
them lie said proudly. He paused.
His face was quiet, white and agi-
tated and he did not dare look ut
bis wife.
II always thought an awful lot of
Buttercup," said Eunlce, in her
sweet, gentle voice. IL liked her
looks 50 we'll :hatI learned her to
drink, and took all the care Of her
-, vanIg,S