Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-01-26

air the moment she read the news.
She realized instantly that Harold was
not equipped for q struggle with the
world. His whole life and training
were against him. Dinner went on
much as usual, although with just q
suggestion OF restraint After 1t was
over Harold followed his wife to her
boudoir, and seated himself. j.
well, sweetheart, the jig's up" ne
said, evenly.
"Is-everything gomez" she asked
Every dollar" he replied.
What will we do?" she asked.
ITS a knotty problem" he replied.
ave given the day to it find, on
taking inventory, that | have not the
qualities which are in demand In the
marts Of trade.
81 might teach music" she suggest
ed. lamely. t....
He flushed. THAT might buy Gig
arettes and bon bons,' he said, but
scarcely rent and groceries"
He paused moment then went on:
81 can't make anything like living In
any line Of business. We must face
the facts. We will have to give up
all this"-swinging his arm to COM
prehend everything about them-"at
once. 1t will eat itself up in a few
weeks at our present pace. ] see but
one thing. | have plenty OF muscle, II
lot much brains or training. have
been thinking of that farm your
grandfather left you up in s. county.
The tenant has been paying $500 a
year rent for it. Now, he makes that
of the farm besides his living and
what he may be saving. The only
thing | can think Of to do is to refuse
to renew his lease, move on the farm
and do the best we can. reckon we
won't starve."
But do you know how to run
farm" Eunice expostulated, land can
you stand the work."
Il can learn hoy, with the assist
ance of an able-bodied hired man" he
replied, grimly, land l don't suppose
pitching hay is much harder work
than the exercises Of the gym. Any
way, we've got to do something, and
that is all can think Of Two differ
ent fellows offered me fancy salary
for the use Of my name and efforts in
behalf of certain doubtful stock prop
ositions, but haven't got to the stool
pigeon stage yet. No, l prefer hard
work-albeit I confess l am not over
fond Of 1t. All fear is that the life
will be too lonesome and too hard for
you. But you can live in town If you
prefer-only 1t will have to be on a
very simple plan"
Harold" she exclaimed, indignant.
ly. What sort of woman do you
think I am-and after all my praying
for poverty, too. No, / will be a
farmers wife and churn, and, err
milk the COWS, and, er-scrub the
floors end all that"
It was q revolutionary change from
the lazy life in the palace on the ave-
nue to the hard grind on the farm, but
neither complained. Dennison threw
himself into the work Of mastering
the science Of farming with all the
spirit Of an ardent nature. 1t was
slow work, but he was thorough, and
when he did learn he knew more about
1t than most farmers born and raised
to the life. The first year he made
many mistakes, and faced deficit at
the end. The second year he nearly
came out even. The third year he
wiped out the deficit and had bali
ance in the bank.
One evening. at the end Of the third
year, Just at supper time after hard
days work, clouds suddenly pro-
claimed a coming rain. Selling his
hat, Dennison summoned his men.
Come, boys" said he, We're all
tired, but that hay must be stacked or
we'll lose 1t ALL" and started on run
for the feld. followed by bis grum-
bling helpers rIE
Two hours later, Eunice stood on
the porch watching theirreturn, Harold
in the lead. She noticed how broad
and tanned and strong he was, and
how confident was his stride, She
laughed softly as she recalled the ele-
CANT dilettante Of three years ago.
As he approached, Dennison looked
hard at Eunice, and a frown crossed
his face. He noticed that the dainty
hands were getting a trife red and q
little coarse, and he noted that her
cheeks were not 80 round as they had
been, and there was little tired look
about the eyes. Putting his arm
around her he drew her into the
house.
ITS shame to make all this extra
work, but couldn't afford to lose that
hay" he said. I'VE must get woman
to manage this house and you must 90
away for a long rest, and when you
come back leave all the responsibility
with her. You are working too hard"
81 never was so happy in my life,
Harold" she replied, putting both
arms about his neck. And l don't
--A a. - .a,, l0A ~ oAhar uonn n N