Amador ledger. (Jackson, Amador County, Calif.) 1875-19??, 1906-11-09
BERTZE,S
INDIGESTION
By Ina Wright Hanson
Copyright, 1906, BY Homer Spraguo


going slowly up the stairs. Exactly
like BERTHE This morning we were to
spend our last afternoon sailing; at
noontime he sent a messenger to say
he had changed his mind and would
come in his automobile; now he tele-
phones that we will go on our wheels
to the redwoods."
Unstable as water, but handsome as
king-ought to be-" was her thought
few minutes later. They were walk
ing down the garden path to the BIZ
cycles waiting at the gate.
Here's a flower for you," he said
gayly, STOPPING to pick a pelargonium.
Fitting symbol of you is this Martha
Washington. Not a bit high toned, but
smiling alike on the rich and the poor;
delicately colored, but sturdy for all
that, my Martha"
She responded absently to his chat
ter. She was glad he did not seem to
expect much of her in the way of
conversation.
Il suppose you have been wondering
why changed my mind so often"
They had walked up hills and wheel
ed down them and over the level
places and along the cool shady path
to the redwoods. They were sitting
where a streamlet leaped forward to
kiss the feet of the ferns; where the
redwoods gave out a soothing fra
GRANGE. A few steps away was garish
sunshine, but here shade and GOODNESS
and quiet. Martha's troubled heart
lightened, and she smiled winsomely
into Bertie's face.
"Why?" she queried.
Because l am going to ask you
something, and 1 wanted to choose the
best place for it. This is the best of
all, isn't it, beloved? 1 want you to
marry me, Martha, tonight and go
away with me or not go away. 1 don't
know that I care anything about see
ing New York, anyway"
you want me to marry you tonight
for fear that by Christmas or Septem-
Der or tomorrow you might change
your mind? Thanks for the compli-
ment, and no, thank you, for the offer"
Bertie's face was white. She was
savagely glad she had hurt him. He
might realize a little of her suffering
do you think l want a husband
who changes his mind on a subject as
many times as there are hours in a
day2 What pleasure is there in you,
BERTHE Harrison, and what confidence
can one have? We were to read to i'm
prove our minds. You began with Will
liam Tell at the arrow scene; then you
took a chapter in Merchant Of Ven-
ice::' next you thought Burton Holmes
travels
Don't, Martha" BERTHE interrupted.
Probably shall thank you some time,
but just now can't stand any more
than homeopathic Dose"
If BERTHE had got furious with her
or if he had cried-she felt as If she
would not have been surprised to see
him cry like a girl-she could have
kept on pelting him with her sharp
words, but to have him quiet and
whitehall was something she could
not bear. Tears dropped on the Martha
Washington in her cold hand.
Forgive me, dear; didn't mean
Pardon me, Martha; think you
meant exactly what you said. In the
flash Of your words see what Won
der 1 have failed to discover hereto
fore. Isn't there a saying that if you
can properly diagnose a case the cure
is half effected? If 1 overcome the
fault and make man Of myself may
I expect your favor, Martha?'
She shook her head.
Il can't have any faith in you, BERTHE,
but after all you are not to blame.
You can't be different. There are too
many odds against you. It's heredi-
tary. My father knew your father
we'll, Gemini is your birth sign-two
forces pulling in opposite directions.
Then your fortune stands in your way
and even your name. You can never
expect Napoleon Of BERTHE"
Can any good come out Of Naza.
reth?" he said bitterly. But you re-
member the best did come out of Naza-
reth. If you cared for me-
81 care, BERTHE, If that's any consola-
ton. I could wait years for you, butt
'Well, that's enough. BERTHE threw
up his cap and caught it as it came
down. The red came back into his
smooth cheeks. "Now I will fare forth
into the world and show you what
mans will can do in spite of heredity
and astrology and all the rest. You'll
see, Maid Martha"
This sudden change of spirit was so
like variable BERTHE that Martha
sighed.
"I'm sorry can't encourage you"
1t was year before news came from
the absent BERTHE. Martha might have
inquired from his friends in her own
city, but she was too proud. He had
turned from her as lightly, as easily,
as he had always fitted from one
phase of life to another-a butterfly,
she thought scornfully. Why should
she waste tears on him? So she spent
her days among her flowers and books,
and if her nights were not always
peaceful she gave no sign.
At the years end a thick packet came
to her. With nervous, trembling haste
she tore off string and paper and
brought forth Bertie's diary.
"And to think I doubted him." she
sobbed as she found her name on every
page.
He had taken with him to New York
500 Of his fortune, pledging himself
not to touch another penny of it till
year had gone. He had sought service
Immediately, beginning Win rne mos,
mental tasks. How his sensitive nature
lOathed them none knew better than