Palestine daily herald. [volume] (Palestine, Tex.) 1902-1949, 1906-08-14


nice 10 rake up unpleasant memories"
The next moment she was penitent
and longed to tell him how sorry she
was for all that had occurred. but Jack
was looking out over the fields now.
and he did not catch the CLINT of tears
in her eyes.
He was thinking of the promise she
had made him when they were gather
ing the arbutus together and how they
had agreed to gather the arbutus the
next spring as husband and wife.
Somehow the memory Of 1t had
brought him back from the cactus and
sagebrush of the western plains. He
had felt that he must come back-that
perhaps in the springtime she would
see things with clearer vision. He had
hoped against hope on his long journey
across the continent, and now, at this
unexpected meeting, she had snubbed
him.
It was several minutes before he
could command himself, but when he
turned to her again 1t was with an i'm
passive face and some comment upon
the destruction of the power house.
Edna felt hurt. Why should she care
when he seemed to feel so little regret?
Her penitence vanished, and instead
there came an elfin desire TO tease.
For a moment he seemed hurt ut her
flippancy; then he rallied and met her
mood Beneath his smiles there lay a
bleeding heart, but he did not show his
hurt. and the Indifference reused Edna
to further flights until she was almost
insolent.
He bore with her patiently, but when
at last the boy drew up Mt the outskirts
and announced that he had to turn Off
to his store Jack sprang to the ground
and caught her in his arms as she
sought 10 jump TO the ground without
his assistance. Just for moment they
shared the fragrance of the arbutus
that was crushed between them; then
he released her with a sigh and fell
into step beside her.
81 do not need your escort" she pro-
tested when 1t became apparent that
he intended TO walk with her.
you have to pass through a rather
tough quarter of the town before you
reach your home" he said quietly. II
am sorry to have TO force my company
on you, but l intend TO see you safely
home"
Edna thrilled at the quiet authority
of The tone She had been rather dis
appointed at the quiet way In which
he had taken her raillery. This was
more like the old Jack, and because II
evoked old memories it made her re-
sentful.
Il suppose you have come back home
because you were failure out west|
she said sharply. Father said when
you went that you would never make
a success on ranch"
ION the contrary, l have been re-
markably successful" he said quietly.
They passed under the street lamp, and
she glanced at his well worn clothes.
Il am wearing an old suit for a rea-
son." he said. Don't Judge by that.
Shall tell you why / came homer
II suppose l cannot help myself"
she Knocked.
Because / read the message OF
spring." he said; because the dusty
cactus spoke of the pink arbutus and
made me think Of you; because hoped
that the season might bring memories
to you and make you more kind.
Il went out to the woods the day
arrived and to the place where we
plighted our trOth. l was hoping, per
haps, you might come 1t was the an
niversary. l was there again yester-
day and today. | am wearing an old
suit because it is the suit | wore then"
Il remember It," she cried penitent-
ly, but | did not know that was the
reason why"
1--WE are at your gate" he said. with
a sudden change of tone. Pardon my
heroics." He lifted his hat and turned
away. She waited a moment, then
called softly to him. He turned back.
looking into her face inquiringly.
I'm glad the trolley house burned
down." she said softly. I'VE could go
out tomorrow in a buggy-if you care
to. Perhaps It might happen
Lightning never strikes twice In the
same place" he announced promptly.
1T has happened already"
I'm glad It has" she said meekly.
II shall always love arbutus."
And me-" he demanded.
"And-you,' she said.