The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-02-20

, took him out of his languid position and
set him upright. staring at his sister.
We'll. I've been thinking it over
what he is, and what we are-and I'm
| sure that he will be glad to be rid of us
altogether. He has only stopped here cut
of compliment all this while; but you
can't see that so well as | can she
added, fretfully.
IL haven't tried to see it. I'll trust to
Reuben Culwick. He said that if he
| didn't write he would be back here on
| the second Tuesday in May. and back
| he'll come like clockwork; although. mind
| you--"
Go on, Johu-what am | TO mind? -
asked his sister. gravely. as he paused.
Although. mind you" he continued.
! Ibis coming back don't mean exactly that
| good luck to him which stopping away
would. and | wish him good uck-always
/ anyhow. But then we should have
/ heard from him: isn't he as truthful as
| you ares
He may have missed post" she an
swered. vcly-"have postponed tell
/ ing us humble folk of the good fortune
! that has come to him. Good news will
! keep, you know"
There was "A long pause after this.
| broken at last by Mr. Jennings saying:
You don't want him back. then.
Lucy?"
Not if 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"
Eyes, | know what you're going to
| say" said her brother, feebly; ''of course,
but I'm not speaking of that. And Rem
ben--here he is. Hurrah!"
And Mr.. Jennings, forgetting his APP
athy. ran down his front garden and
went. bareheaded and in his shirt sleeves,
ut full speed down Hope street. leaving
/ his sister in charge of the premises.
Reuben Culwick and John Jennings
came into the parlor together IL few
minutes later. and the latter with
croak of triumph exclaimed: There,
Lucy-who is right nowY' 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
u.
life blood in it. it was that lay in his
brown palms.
But you didn't think that should"
he cried.
NO" was the fearless reply. as the
thin lips closed together.
Now, what does she deserve. to face
Il man and n brother. and first-foor
lodger 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 indiscretion of suddenly lifting up the
@rim Miss Jennings in his arms and kiss
ing her. In all his life he had never kiss
ed her before--nevcr dreamed of taking
such Il liberty with his landlords sister
hut his high spirits carried him away
and he lifted Lucy Jennings as high ms
the ceiling before he kissed her lightly
and placed her. as he might have done a
child. in her chair again, where she gared
at him in Amusement, with her eyes dis
| tended and her face not destitute of color
now.
"You--have been drinking" she gasp
eel forth, Indignantly. "0r 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,"
All dare say you are" she added
with irony.
"Skeptical." he cried: John. what
shall do now?'
Kiss her again." said John.
Mo- will not have any more of that
foolery." said Miss Jennings. with intense
acerbity pervading her plain speaking.
Il wouldn't if she objects" said John ::
"if she doesn't see the joke of it.
don't think anybody has ever kissed her
except Tots. She's not used to that kind
of thing-she really isn't"
Nothing seemed to distress or disturb
the eQuanimity of Reuben Culwick. He
was glad to get back, or he was one of
the artfulest hypocrites in the County of
Surrey. He understood these two better
than they understood themselves, having
taken the trouble TO study and be inter
ested in their eccentricities long before.
well. you have set up and kept fire
burning for a man who was not expect
ed" said Reuben: but you don't ask
me how | have Jared in the country. what
adventures | have had. what work have
done, what luck have encountered
I'VE shall be glad 10 hear how YOU
have got on in Worcester" she said. Il
w0manly curiosity exhibiting itself; I'VE
: do not attempt 10 deny that we are in
terested in you-aNways Interested in you
poor as we are"
Yes. but don't begin about your pow
erty again, pease-poverty may be a
blessing in disguise for what you. and l..
and John know TO the contrary" said
Reuben; 1.-THE poorest and most afflicted
woman was the happiest mortal whom