Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

luIScF tIlJS- Steamer SIate-
= room and KS very primitive
MS regards its furnishings.
"1ts a small place and Il rough place
for such rs you. but it's the best we
have" said Mrs. Kelly.
Ann responded to the humility which
shaded the hearty voice of her hostess,
and, though she shivered in the chill
air, answered cheerily: I'm sure this
Is very nice. The bed is tempting"
Hesitatingly, with many misgivings,
Mrs. Kelly withdrew, and Ann hurried
ly disrobed and leaped into the bed,
which was white as snow and almost
rs cold. 1t was like plunge into the
breakers ut Magnolia; 1t fairly took her
breath away, and there was no escape
from this icy contact, for the air was
as bitter as the sheets.
But the joy Of the meeting with Louis
and the unexpected glow of confidence
and pleasure with which she met Ray
nlond's anxious, piercing eyes came
back to warm her heart
How changed Raymond was! How
deeply brown! He looked as vigorous
us she saw him fi:.:t ut the ranch, and
yet Gitfercnt-years oder; and with his
strength, his resolution, something new
was Notwithstanding graver and
swecter.' He was handsomer in the
miners heavy boots than i'll the cow
boys spurs and kcrchief.
Her mind took up again the singular
ity Of her position, lying there in n
frosty bed in Il minet's cabin. She
laughed. Am TO meet my death by
frec.ingY" But at last glow of com
fort began to steal over her. delicious
languor, and thcn-she was awakened
by grinding sound and by the shout
ing OF cheerful children. and few
minutes Inter the gentle voice of Mrs
Kelly sounded ut the door.
Are you awake?" Ann threw back
the coverlet to find the room full of
sunshine. MAY 1 come int" asked
Mrs. Kelly.
Certainly" said Ann, and the pale
and pretty little housewife entered
with Il pitcher of warm water.
Good morning. How did you sleep
the night:"
II don't know. l haven't the Slight
est idea where the night went to-"
After her hostess left her Ann lay
staring at the rough walls and the still
more primitive ceiling in wonder. "It
must be real" she thought, "fpr
couldn't possibly dream It," With a
realization of her own sloth, she sprang
out upon the cold floor and began to
dress with Il vigor and celebrity she
did not know she possessed
During breakfast she studied Mrs.
Kelly and began to understand at last
that the little mother had not merely
washed and dressed the boys and
cooked the breakfast, but had served
as waitress and maid Of all work, and
now, calm and sweet and self con-
tanned, was presiding over the table.
If any dish needed rcplenishing, she
sprans up to get it, and this put the
robust daughter OF wealth to shame.
Don't you feel tired some mornings
and lie abed?" she asked.
Mrs. Kelly smiled. Indeed do, but
can't afford to lie abed. When Matt
AiuhES LIS llcAl SlElhc, sure Ill 6OluS
to hire girl and sleep till I'm weary
of it. If 1t takes Il week"
you must let me do something while
am here" said Ann. LET me pro-
vide a maid for you.''
"Dh, no; I was only jokin'. Sure,
you couldn't hire girl on the hill to do
housework. Besides, the best of them
are not fit company for you, and in a
small hut like this you're cheek by
jowl with your help"
Ann had not thought of them as CON-
pany, but she eravely replied: 81 might
bring n maid from my Cousins house.
At any rate, you must let me help this
morning. can sweep and dustin
deed can"
Mighty little busting the shack needs
in this air." said Mrs. Kelly. Good
luck to me. it's tiny"
II must help or will not stay" In
sisted Ann. AT least can amuse the
children"
Louis shot through the door like