Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-12-26

Once Mrs. Wing made remark. She
turned an instant from the window to
Ruth:
II didn't know things could be SO
pretty so near to LenoX." she said; then
turned eagerly again to her contempla-
tons.
Mr.. Willard took them to one of the
great hotels of the city. Their room
was Respondent in all the luxurles Of
soft carpeting, glistenlng brass bed
stead, Turkish couch and easy chairs;
opening from 1t was the tiled bathroom,
with all its marble and porcelain appur-
tenances.
Mrs. Wing viewed 1t with beaming
face.
Ruth" she said, ~ am going to take
a bath. have sort of felt oil my life
Us If I'd had to battle In soap dish.
I'd like to stretch out once"
Later, when she emerged, moist and
rosy, her soft gray hair in damp little
curls on her forehead, she sank down
in an easy chair with deep sigh of
satisfaction.
"Well, dear, for once in my life I fee
as If l had been in the lap of luxury"
she remarked gently.
In the great dining room that night
the polished floor reflected back the
myriads of colored electric lights. Cor.
geous panels of the seasons embfazoned
| the side walls. An army Of walters in
full dress moved noiselessly among the
glittering tables.
Mrs. Wing studied her dainty menu
with pleased appreciation.
"Of course, shouldn't like this sort
of thing all the while, but it's real stir.
ring" she whispered to Ruth.
Sunday evening after dinner, they
wandered through the long series of
artistic reception rooms.
In the Moorish room, in the shadow
of great group of palms, stood divan
piled high with cushions The room
was empty and the lights dim.
II think l will sit here awhile; you
/ WV Ahay 81 ouB yOu Wuul SIG
said.
Somewhere In the distance she could
hear family plano and voice sing
ing. She closed her eyes and leaned
back against the cushions In dreamy
content. She could see again the great,
dim church fragrant with flowers, and
hear the joyful waves of Easter music.
| 1t had echoed in her soul all day. Then
the park that afternoon, In all its
/ young green beauty and freshness! She
knew just how 1t would look in June,
when the fountains played and the
flowers hloomed.
Her heart had always gone out with
great longings to the tame, monoton-
Gus, commonplace nature she knew, but
this, this satisfied her. Other things
seemed different too; she remembered
her long-dead girlhood's husband, and
the look In his eyes; she had seen the
same expression on Arthur Wizards
face dozen times when he looked at
Ruth, and Ruth, how bright and happy
she was! Maybe there wasn't SO much
danger, maybe.
She heard slight movement and
opened her eyes. Mr.. Willard stood by
her. How very strong and self-asser-
tive he looked!
Getting lonesomeY he questioned.
Lonesome?" she echoed.
He sat down beside her and began to
talk. She could see Ruth through one
of the archways, sitting with a maya
zine in her hand.
She began to edge off; she knew Of
nothing she was particularly anxious
to say. How well he talked. though!
She began to grow interested in spite
of her distress. After while a ST.
lence fell between them.
Mrs. Wing" he said abruptly.
She Jumped nervously, then waited
do you really think 1t would be
such dreadful thing for Ruth to mar
ry me?"
Mrs. Wings face was both perplexed
and anxious Why should they keep
thrusting this thing on her for decis-
Ion?
II suppose am selfish, fearful old
body" she said finally. Maybe you
will do better by Ruth than can. l
can't do anything but just be good to
her You eau give her a great many
beautiful things to enjoy, and they are
beautiful; when n body has lust
starved for them all their lives, they
know how beautiful. They won't
amount to anything, though, If you
aren't good"
There was tremulous appeal in her
voice.
The young man took her hand rever-
emily.
81 will try" he said solemnly, "to be
good"
There was another little pause, then
Mrs. Wing continued hesitatingly:
81 can't say yet l am willing. Still,
If Ruth wants to risk 1t, don't sup
pose ought to interfere, do your"
II think you might leave 1t to Ruth.
She is very sensible girl, Mr.. vii.
lard answered gravely.
Then he leaned over and kissed his
prospective mother-in-law on her soft.
| pink cheek with right good WILL
The Housewife.
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CHANCE FOR MosLEM GIRLS.