Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1904-07-09
20 HE Reverend Boswell Holland

sat alone In his study. The room
which, though small, had been
dignihed with the name Of study, was
the best and pleasantest room In the
house, and in 1t were drawn together
all the best that the house afforded
here was the prettiest paper and the
best carpet, the only lounge, the east
est rocking chair, the gayest table
cover, the best lamp, and the prettiest
ornaments, all gathered here by his
young wife's unselfsh devotion. and
her husbands devoted selfishness.
A tall, stout, well-made, ford young
man, never intended by nature for any
sedentary life; one whose broad shoul-
ders and strong arms would have made
better and healthier man of him In
the field or workshop; one who as q
farmer or machinist might have made
something Of his muscular inheritance,
but who had beon thrust into a posi-
ton he was wholly untitled for by
the weak ambition of a doting mother
and the vanity and self-indulgent in
dolence of his own character.
A gentle step, a tmid deprecating
tap at the study door. Eyes right
attention. In one moment, like q SOL
der on drill, the reverend gentleman
had wheeled into position at the table,
snatched up a pen, dipped 1t into the
ink, and held it suspended over the
paper, as he said in the half-annoyed
tones of person suddenly disturbed in
some absorbing train of thought:
"You can come In"
Softly the door was pushed ajar.
and sweet young face, fair and fresh
braids Of soft brown hair peeped tim
Idly in.
quite alone, dearY she asked,
glancing round the apartment and
then satisfied that he was so, the wife
came ina girlish figure, though one
arm clasped her sleeping baby to her
bosom; in the other hand she bore a
small tray with snowy white cloth.
Pausing q moment on her way to de
post the child among the cushions of
the lounge, she came to her husband s
side.
What have you got there, Lucy?'
ne said In half-reproachful tones,
though his eager eyes contradicted his
assumed Indifference
only little lunch for you, dcar,"
said the little wife, coaxingly and she
removed the desk and set the Idle
tray before him.
you silly childl what is it?" Lucy
hA
Juicy beefsteak, temptingly cooked. q
biscuit, and a cup Of steaming tea
oh, have not any appetite; do not
want 1t" said the husband, making a
very faint demonstration of pushing II
from him.
Yes, you do, doar; I know best
plo not you tell me yourself that
brains needed food, and that mental
moor was more exhausting than any
otherT Take little sip Of the tea
nrst, dear, and maybe that will bring
an appetite"
lou are little goose, Lucy" said
he reverend Boswell, as he took the
cup from her hand; and so, Just to
p,ease the affectionate little thing, be
ATE and drank all she had provided
ana ne did it, too, just as If he relish.
81 every mouthful. You would never
uaVe guessed he did not relish It. Oh
ne was such good mani And Lucy
sal oy, delighted that her idol had
sOaosscended to accept her meat and
1 urlnk offerings.
mere now; these poor, dear, tired
otains will feel all the better" she
aiu, laying her soft hand carelessly OF
MS low brow. 'Tt Is too bad for YOU
: ~ SIT here, hard at work. all this love
uay; but tell me. have you worked
cry nard this morningT
Wen, no, not very" said the self
I much" ~ ~
4 warm here, dearf" said Mrs. Hol
n.s glancing round the cool, fresh
wy little room, and contrasting 4
h. u the kitchen, the heated scene Of
Z car. own iabors. Then it must be be
T e you feel weak; do your