The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1904-02-27

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his coming back don't mean exactly that
good luck to him which stopping away
would, and wish him good luck-always
anyhow. But then we should have
heard from him; isn't he as truthful as
| You are?"
HE may have missed post" she an.
swered, evasively-"have postponed tell.
ing us humble folk of the good fortune
that has come to him. Good news will
keep, you know"
There was long pause after this,
broken at last by Mr.. Jennings saying:
You don't want him back, then,
Lucy?"
Not IL he will be happier away"
well, If he has gone, you've worried
our best friend away, for you always
would Interfere, and preach to him.
He isn't our best friend"
Yes, L know what you're going to
say" said her brother, feebly; "of course,
but I'm not speaking of that. And Reu-
ben-here he is! Hurrahw
And Mr.. Jennings, forgetting his ap-
athy, ran down his front garden and
went, bareheaded and in his shirt sleeves
at full speed down Hope street, leaving
his sister in charge of the premises.
Reuben Culwick and John Jennings
came into the parlor together few
minutes later, and the latter with a
croak of triumph exclaimed: "There,
Lucy-who is right now?" as the former
advanced to shake hands with her.
Lucy looked up into the face of the
big-chested, healthful man, and smiled
family in response to the CHEEKY ex-
preston which she saw there.
You have kept your word, then, Mr..
Reuben" she said, placing her hand in
his; and very cold hand, with not much
life blood in it, it was that lay in his
brown palms.
But you didn't think that 1 should"
he cried.
NO" was the fearless reply, as the
thin lips closed together.
Now, what does she deserve, to face
man and brother, and a first-foor
ledger of long and honorable standing.
with this Odious greeting?" he said, turn
ing to John jennings
Reuben Culwick was in boisterous spir
its, or he would have never committed
the lndlscretiOn of suddenly lifting up the
prim Miss Jennings in his arms and kiss
ing her. In all his life he had never kiss
ed her before-never dreamed of taking
such a liberty with his landlords sister
but his high spirits carried him away
and he lifted Lucy Jennings as high os
the ceiling before he kissed her lightly
and placed her, as he might have done a
child in her chair again, where she glared
ut MN III amaZement, with her eyes dis
tended and her face not destitute of color
now.
'4ou-have been drinkingw she gasp
ed FORTH Indignantly, ''or you would have
never done that"
mo, | haven't been drinking, Lucy"
said Reuben, quietly; but this is home
and | am glad to get back to it,"
An! l dare say you are" she added,
with irony. '
"skeptical!" he cried; John, what
shall do nowY'
kiss her again." said John.
Mo- will not have any more Of that
ooleFy' SAID Miss Jennings, with intense
acerolty pervading her plain speaking.
Il wouldn't If she Objects" said John.
If she doesn't see the joke of it.
iont think anybody has ever kissed her
Except Tots. She's not used to that kind
u IhlhS-sne really ISM
Nothing seemed to distress or distnrh
he equanimity of Reuben Culwick, He
vas glad to get back, or he was one Of
he artfulest hypocrtes in the County of
surrey. He understood these two better
han they understood themselves. having
AIKEN the trouble to study and be inter.
sted in their eccentricities long before
well you have set up and kept a fire
turning for a man who was not exnect-
d., said Reuben; '"but you don't ask
ne how have Jared in the country, what
dventures have had, what work I have
one what luck have encountered"
we shall be glad to hear how Won
ave got on in Worcester" she said. q
'omanly curiosity exhibiting itself; Eve
o not attempt to deny that we are in
crested in you-always interested in Won
poor as we are"
Eyes, but don't begin about vour nov
rty again, please-poverty NAV he q
lessing in disguise for what Won and
nd John know to the contrary" said
reuben; "the poorest and most afflicted
conan was the happiest mortal whom
let III worcestershire, and the richest
hd most prosperous man l found as mis-
rabIe and mean as ever"
Are yOu speaking of YOUR fathar
oW asked Miss Jennings, anxiously.
1es-the gentleman whom YOU talked |
lie into visiting, prodigal son fashion,
ut who didn't take me to his breast and
'eep over me, and order his fattest calf {
be killed in my honor" cried Reuben, {
little bitterly. Il was humble and con.
lite, but he was as hard as nails, and ,
re whole experiment was tremendous
allure. Did l not say before l started
lat this would be the result?'
Yes" said John, you certainly said
lat. l am very sorry am awfully ]
9rry-what funny man he must bel"
Extremely funny" said Reuben Gull I
lex, dryly; you would die of laughing
his hunlor."
DO you regret that you have offered
sink bitter quarrel" inquired Lucy :
ennlngs, land to make peaceY'
mo" l
You are glad that you have been TO
'orcester, are you not, despite this mis- l
able result2" |
"Yes." :
Then the fault lies with him. rs It |
ID, before you went, with you. And, !
r. Reuben" she added, very earnestly, !
fou have one sin the less, think"
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