Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-10-25

hoped that nothing might occur to
make you less satisfied with it than
you appear TO be. l thought that per-
haps the few words offered you some
months ago might have been instru
mental toward your husbands improve.
ment, but as you say you do not notice
any change in him I conclude the i'm
provement has come from himself,
which is all the more ereditable to
him.
YES" murmured Jess, with mild
ness she was far from feeling.
II heard only the other day that Sir
Archibald was simply delighted with
the way in which his greenhouses had
been remodeled and repaired, and that
he was going to recommend your hus-
band to Lord Montgomery, who was
thinking Of
Lord Montgomery arranged with
David yesterday" said Mrs. Houston,
with the faintest note of triumph in her
voice.
Indeed! That is extremely crafty
ing. Well, Mrs. Houston, you must
now make up your mind to encourage
your husband as much as possible, 50
that there is no chance left for re-
lapse. l had thought of speaking to
him myself, but no doubt the matter Is
safe in your hands,"
"Ill think about it," said Jess, hold
ing herself III. Have you seen my aunt,
Mrs. Wallace, latelyY" she inquired
suddenly.
| "No-no; not lately, not for some
time, in fact. trust she is quite WE'LL"
Miss Perli replied, with smile that
might have been misconstrued.
"Oh, Aunt Wallace is always WELL"
the niece returned cheerfully.
The visitor mentioned few local
topics, but in hurried manner sug-
costing that she was i'll at ease. DO
you expect your aunt this evening
Mrs. Houston?" she inquired about five
minutes later.
Aunt Wallace just comes along
when it suits her. She might come
in any time"
Miss Perk rose I'm afraid can
not wait longer on the chance of tie
pleasure of chat with her, but pray
give her my kind regards when you see
her. I'll pop III soon again and per-
haps find her with you. Now l must
really CO."
| Mrs. Houston conducted her visitor
to the door, and In the porch the lat
ter said: II thought we should have
found your husband in the garden. l
| should like to see him."
Hes not there said Jess, looking
about. "He likely has walked along
the road"
We'll, perhaps you can take mes
sage for him. You might kindly tell
him that our drawing room window is
not working nicely and ask him to
come and put 1t right first thing in
the morning. Can you remember that.
Mrs. Houston?"
I'm sorry" said Jess (she WASN'T,
"but he will be busy all tomorrow"
"The day after will do
81 don't think he could attend to 1t
for a fortnight or three weeks
Dear me! didn't know he was SO
busy as all that" said Miss Perk in q
tone of annoyance. However, I'll call
ut his workshop tomorrow and see
what can be done. Good evening, Mrs.
Houston"
Good evening, Miss Perk."
Jess re-entered the cottage and met
David in the dusky passage.
as she awa'?' he whispered.
yes" replied his wife, smiling in
spite Of herself. "She wanted to see
YOU" She delivered the message al d |
told him what she had said to the Wis.
itor In reply.
Il wudna gang inside her hoose for
five pound. She gets me to promise
things dinna mean. I'm veXed at ma
stupeedit:, lass"
"Never mind, Davie."
"Aw, but. jess. didna mean TO an
noy ye"
Its all right, Dagse, lad. dare say
We'll be none the worse for the lee
tures'
I'm vexed ABBOTT the lectures. but
I'm mair vexed ABBOTT anither thing"
Whats that!' She felt II thrill of |
pleasure to think that at last he under
stood the cause of her annoyance ear
lier in the evening. After all, she had
not labored for his creature comforts
in vain. Whats that?' she repeated
softly and encouragingly.
"The-the pill,' lie stammered. ."
didna mean to annoy We when l men,
toned it. Are we feelin' quite weel
noo?"
For an instant Jess felt she wanted
to slap his face. Then she burst out
laughing.
I'm gled ye're no. angry WI me ony
matr," he said and kissed her.
did you get the sweet peas plant. |
ed?' she inquired us she drew him into
the parlor.
He shook his head aye see, l didna
gang DOT to the garden eftcr a.. / list
sat In the kitchen waitin' for her to
gang. l hadna the bert to plant ony.
thin when ye was angry wi me. Jess"
You're just Il laddis, Davie," she
said, not chafiingly, but with world
OF affection in her voice. "And now
I'm going to have an hour at the
books" she added quickly.
"Wull We no come for a walk,
dearie"
III come afterward. It'll be too
dark for the garden now, SO YOU bet.
ter take your paper and keep me com.
pany till get through the accounts"
She laid ink and pen on the table
and brought her husbands ledger from
the bookcase. She seated herself,
thinking how much more cheerful the
figures before her were tonight than
six months npo Annn,, a., ., |