The Caldwell tribune., 1905-11-11

1r
wrapped it daintily with narrow, white
ribbon, while Billy fished pennies and
nickels from his pockets. Then as lie
hurried from the store, holding his
dearly bought treasure carefully In
both hands, she took fifty-fve cents
from her own slender purse and
dropped it into the cash drawer.
When Billy, bankrupt in fortune but
very rich in love, came in sight of
the big hotel, he awoke to the fact
be was clad In garments not too whole
and clean, and that his face and hands
bore unmistakable signs of his wrestle
with stubborn soil.
Il ought to "a had my Sunday clo'es
on" he murmured distressfully, "but
l gotta go on now. She might go to-
night"
Hearts Delight was sitting on the
long veranda, surrounded by her faith
full courtiers. In the shadow, behind
the little group, sat young man with
averted face and gloomy eyes. He had
come to spend his one poor little week
scarcely had speech with her.
Tomorrow he must go back, and
we'll. the years that lay before him
seemed very dark-long weary years Of
bootless toll. All his thought, all his
labor had been for her; although he
had never been very hopeful; and now
the last shred Of hope was gone.
BY the time Billy reached the foot
OF the tall veranda he was apoplectio
with embarrassment. Breathing ster-
torously, he began the long ascent,
painfully conscious of the sudden
silence above, and the amused eyes
that were scanning his worn, and
scanty garments.
He laid the little packet in his lady's
lap and would have turned and fed,
but his limbs seemed to have lost the
power of locomotion.
Natalie swiftly united the string,
while Billy watched her adoringly. He
was not afraid of her but of the
strange people with the mocking eyes.
"Oh, my dear little china heart" she
gurgled. "And 1 thought it was sold.
1t was never there. But who sent 1t,
Billy BoyT
II bought it, said Billy, swelling
with pride.
"Why, Billy, Billy Boyl Where in
the world did you get so much
money" she cooed tenderly, putting
her arm around him and drawing him
to her side.
II worked" answered Billy, display
ing his brown, hard little paws. He
was not ashamed Of them now.
why, Billy, Billy Boyl And you
did all that for msT
"Pd do more'n that for you. I'd do
anything for you," said Billy. stoutly.
The young men laughingly muir
INJURED their approval of this sentiment.
Involuntarily Natalie turned to the
moody face behind her. Clifford had
not spoken. He was still looking at
the pine-covered hills that frowned
darkly against the sunset sky, and it
seemed to her that the lines pain had
carved in his face had all at once
grown deeper ana harder.
She glanced down again at the ador-
Ing little countenance on her arm. |
Years before Onfford's face had worn
that same look Of boyish 1dolatry, and
It touched her now as his manly de-
Votiop had failed to do.
She rose, STOPPING to kiss BIlIy's
forehead as she did so.
II shall keep it as long as 1 live,
Billy" she said. ~
And you won't break it as you did
he others" Billy asked anxiously.
Natalie smiled strangely. mo, Billy
Boy. shall never break any more, l
any more"
Turning again, she said gently,
Isn't 1t almost time for our walk,
Jliffordp
With a great light in his eyes, the
7oung man sprang forward, and the
'thers made way for him as courtiers
nust do when the king comes.
AS the two strolled down the pine
'ringed road, Billy followed at a re-
pectful distance, turning handsprlngs
hat greatly relieved his effervescing
pirits. ss.-%......
Had she not kissed him before them
Lil2 All, she might chatter with these
'rown young men, dance with them,
lrive with them, walk with them
'Rry close, as she was walking now;
tut kiss them? Neverl They were far
90 big and old for that, Billy was sure.
Household Ledger.
Curious Waiter. --