The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1906-08-15

Cif1C,' SAID Edna severely. - 40
nice to rake up unpleasant memories.
The next moment she was penltem
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
i had made him when they were gather
| ing the arbutus together and how tney
had agreed to gather the arbutus the
next spring as husband and wife.
Somehow the memory Of it 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 it was ysith 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 at her
fippancy; then he rallied and met her
! mood. Beneath his smiles there lay
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 at 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 to jump to the ground without
his assistance. Just for a 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
II do not need your escort" she pro-
tested when it became apparent that
he intended to walk with her.
you have to pass through rather
tough quarter Of the town before you
! reach your home" he said quietly 81
am sorry to have to force my company
on you. but 1 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 it
evoked old memories it made her re-
sentful.
Il suppose you have come back home
because you We're a failure out vest"
she said sharply. Father said when
you went that you would never make
a success on a ranch"
ION the contrary. l have been re-
markably successful" he said quietly.
They passed under the street lamp, and
she glanced at his we'll worn clothes.
Il am wearing an old suit for a rea-
son." he said. Don't judge by that
Shall tell you why l came home?"
II suppose / cannot help myself"
she mOcked
Because l read the message of
spring." he said; because the dusty
cactus spoke Of the pink arbutus and
made me think Of you; because 1 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. | was hoping, per-
haps, you might come. 1t was the an
niversary. | was there again yester-
day and today. l 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.
Pm 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.
ut has happened already
I'm glad it has" she said meekly.
Il shall always love arbutus."
"And me-" he demanded.
"And-you.' she said