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

CHAPTER vi.

ora the cottage.
9 'I'm jist COMM" replied
her husband, who was bending over a
plot under the wall.
But you said you were coming half
an hour ago."
Did II" said David, grubbing in the
earth. "D'ye like sweet peas, Jessf"
Yes, but don't like old tea and cold
buttered toast" his wife returned i'm
patiently. "Come, Davie."
"Pll be in the hoose in twa ticks.
lass. .Dinna fash yerser. The warl's
mo- comm to an end"
My patience is, David"
Nae fears. l ken yer patience bet
ter nor that. Jlst think o. the show O.
sweet peas yell haze in July, jess, an
III let We pu' as mony o. them as We
like, an welcome, dearie."
But can't you finish planting them
after you've had your tea, Davie!' she
asked, partly appeased.
Deed, l never thocht O. that. OF
coorse l can" And David Houston
rose and followed his wife into the cot
tage. I'm vexed for keepin' We wait
In, Jess" he said as he Joined her in
the kitchen. Il doot l whites forget
things"
"Oh, never mind. 1t doesn't Natter
she said coldly.
Are We angry WI me, JessY' he
asked anxiously
ANGRY? Why should be angry?"
IL thocht We wasna pleased at-at
somethin'," he answered lamely. "Yc
see, forget the time when I'm at ma
garden, an -
you've been at the garden since Z
o'clock this morning, David,' she OBJ
served as she filed his teacup. Your
breakfast was cold before you came to
1t, and so was your dinner"
II didna fin onythin' wrang WI Ell
ther o. them" he returned pleasantly.
"Ye're clever yin Mt the cookin'," he
added admiringly.
Jess looked as If she had not heard
him. 1t was the local spring holiday,
and she had made special efforts with
the homely meals, each one of which
had been spoiled through her hus-
bands late appearance at table. Still
she had kept her temper so far.
I'm sayin' ye'rc a clever yin at the
cookin, Jess" he repeated.
I'm glad you think SOL
The tone of her voice was something
new to David, and he paused in CON
yeying half slice of toast to his
mouth and stared at her.
Avoiding his gaze, she played with
her spoon in an absentminded fashion.
whats wrang lass:"
Nothing"
"But ye're no. takin' yer tea Are We
no. weel?"
"Oh, be quietw
But dinna like to see ye no. enjoy
in yer tea.''
Don't bother Go on with your own
tea and get back to your garden.'
Mr. Houston, with many an uncom-
Portable glance at his wife, who. in
spite of his efforts, refused to be drawn
into conversation. continued his meal.
with hardly his usual hearty appetite,
but with AN obvious desire to show her
that he appreciated the buttered toast.
II think I'll haze smoke noo," he
remarked Immediately he had finished,
and was surprised when his wife, CON
trary to custom, failed to rise to fetch
him his house pipe from the mantel-
piece.
After short period Of waiting he
drew his wooden pipe from his pocket
and proceeded to fill it.
Jess rose and began to clear away
the dishes, thing she usually delayed
doing until David had enjoyed a ten
minute smoke.
Aren't you going to finish planting
your seeds:' she inquired abruptly, adj
dressing the teapot in her hand.
II was thinkin' l wud wait Till We
was ready to come DOT to the garden.
It's fine an warm the nicht'
Il don't think I'll come out tonight.
I've other things to do Don't wait"
she said, with her back to him
What are We busy ABBOTT the NIGHT
Jess?'
"A lot Of things"
Houston got up, put OH his cap and
moved toward the door. Come DOT if
We cam" he said kindly. I'm gaun to
gle We Il great show o. sweet peas for
the summer"
She made no reply. and on the
threshold he halted ana turned "Wud
We no. try a-a-a pill. dcarie:" lie
asked, with the utmost hesitation and
ditidence.
The color rushed to Mrs. nouston's
face, and her eyes sparkle,l. She
stamped her foot. David Houston" |
she cried, will you go to your garden
when ask you:"
But, Jess he began.
plate slipped from her hands and |
smashed to pieces on the bottom of the
sink. "See what you've made me dol"
she exclaimed
Och, never heed ABBOTT the dish,
lass" David stammered at last IL
wish We wud tell me what's troublin'
ye"
Il wish you would go when ask
you,' said his wife, her lip trembling
"Weel, I'll gang to please ye," he re-
turned miserably, but wish We wud
tell Inc what
He was interrupted by the tinklc Of
q bell.
"oh, dear!' sighed Mrs Houston
hopelessly.
'Wha can that be?" said her hus.
band. Its past Posties time Wull
gang an see, JESSE
YES" said Jess in choled voice.
With an anxious look at her David
left the kitchen, closing the door be-
hind him.
Jess hid her fac in her apron. Il
tried toto give him Il treat today
She thought bitterly, but lie thinks of
nothing but his garden-tlle breakfast
spoiled, the dinner spoiled and the
She lifted her head ana listened She
heard David's voice and another's.
"AIiss Perk." she groaned. "Ol,
hope Davie II have the sense not to
ask her in. No; she's away"
she heard the front door shut, but
the voices began again.
Hes taking her into the parlor!'
she sighed. II might have known he
would do IT,
Presently the Kitchen door or,nrnd