The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1905-10-18


wrapped It dalptily with narrow, white
ribbon. while Billy nshed peunies and
nicksls from his pockets. Then ~ he
hurried from the store, holding hts
dearly bought treasure carefully In
both hands, she took hfty-fve cents
from her own slender purse and
dropped IL 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 wrestls
with stubborn soil.
II ought to a. had my Sunday clo'es
on" he murmured distressfully. but
I gotta 60 on now. She might 90 to-
night"
Hearts Delight was sitting ON the
long veranda. surrounded BY her faith.
ful 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
Of vacation near Natalie. but he had
scarcely had speech with her.
Tomorrow he must 90 back. and
well, 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
tho last shred Of hope was gone.
BY the time Billy reached the foot
Of the tall veranda he was apoplectic
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 ned,
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 hooking eyes.
"Oh. my dear little china heart" she
gurgled. And thought 1t was sold.
1t was never there. But who sent It.
Billy Boyi'
Il bought IT," said Billy. swelling
with pride.
"why. Billy, Billy Boy! Where I'm
tho world did you get 20 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 me?"
I'D 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.
lnvoluntarily 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 IL
seemed to her that the lines pain had
carved In his face had all at once
grown deeper and harder.
She glanced down again at the ador-
inH little countenance ON her arm.
Years before Clinford's face had worn
that same look Of boyish idolatry. and
It touched her now as his manly de-
votion had failed to do.
She rose, STOPPING to kiss Billy's
forehead 40 she did 10.
II shall keep It ~ long A. I live,
Billy" ahe said.
"And you won't break It a. you did
the othepT Billy asked anxi0usly.
Natalie smiled strangely. mo, Billy
Boy. I shall never break any more, I
think--never any more"
Turning again, she said gently.
isn't 1t almost time for our walk.
CliffordT'
With a great light In his eyes. the
young man sprang forward. and the
others made way for him AZ courtiers
must do when the king comes.
As the two strolled down the pine
frlnged road. Billy followed at 4 re-
spectful distance. turning handsprings
that greatly relieved his effervescing
spirits.
Had she not kissed him before them
NIL? All, she might chatter with these
grown young men. dance with them.
drive with them. walk with them
very close, ~ she was walking now
but Kiss them7 Never! They were far
too big and old for that. Billy was sure.
Household Ledger.