The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1907-12-27


driver, and at times the knowledge
frightened her.
| Peter broke the silence.
| you'll be going back home pretty
soon now, won't your" he asked.
Ruby nodded.
1--WE expect to leave Saturday. Dab
ney must visit an uncle from whom
he has expectations, and mother wants
me to come to her for a few weeks.
She Is In the mountains"
I'm glad that you're going" he said
abruptly.
Glad" Ruby turned in her seat to
face him. II don't think that you are
very potter she cried.
II couldn't bear to think Of your be-
ing here after am gone," he exclaim-
ed simply.
you are going" she asked. 81
thought you lived here"
II was here only for the summer"
he explained. Il must 90 back home
too"
Il suppose you will carry pleasant
recollections of this delightful coun-
try" she said. II know that / shall
always remember this summer most
pleasantly"
Il want to take away something
else" he said slowly. Ruby turned her
face away and let her gaze wander
over the fragrant Towering buckw
II want to take with me your promise
that some day l may come for you,"
he went on-"that some day I may
come and claim you for my bride.
May l, dearY"
Gently Ruby drew from his grasp
the hand he had seized. Her heart
cried "Yes," but there came into her
mental vision the prospect of her am
bilious mother. Mrs. Forbush would
never consent to their union, and Mrs.
Forbush could make life very unpleas-
ant when she elected.
Il am sorry" she said softly, "but l
cannot answer you as you want me to.
[ shall always remember most pleas
antly this happy summer. Please do
DOT ask more Of me-"
you do not love met" he demanded
bluntly.
II do like you," she said. IL can
not say more"
Peter ficked his horse with his whip,
and the patient animal logged on. He
spoke no more Of his love, and Ruby
was grateful to him.
She went about her shopping while
Peter drove over to the postotfice to
report. When he returned to meet her
1t was with livery rig.
II cannot use the delivery horses
now," he explained. Il am no longer
working for the contractor. Shall we
go home by the river road?'
Her eyes made answer. The river
road was the longest and prettiest, and
she would not deny herself this last
trip with the man she loved. Tomor-
row he must pass out of her life. To-
night she wished only that she might
drive on and on far into the soft sum-
mer night.
But Peter kept the horse at a trot,
and presently they were at the farm.
He was favorite with Mrs. Slocum,
and she insisted that he come in and
take supper with them. He fingered
In the gloom of the trees until the
moon was high, but at last he had to
20.
Il want to say goodby to you here
under the trees" he said as he rose to
his feet. After l have harnessed up
the whole family will come out. l am
sorry you could not say Yes dear, but
do not blame you, and shall always
love you and cherish the memory of
this summer"
He bent over her and lightly brush
ed her forehead with his lips. Then he
strobe off toward the barn, and pres
emily she heard the grating of the bug
gy wheels upon the grayeled walk
There was the sound Of voices as he
took farewell Of the group on the back
porch, and then the carriage came
down the drive and turned into the
road.
For moment the world seemed to
stand still for Ruby; then she leaped
from the hammock and went flying |
down the dusty road after the buggy.
Peter! Peter!' she called softly. |
Come back. 1t was all mistake. |
10 love you, and l will marry you, no
matter what mother says"
In an instant he had sprung from the
buggy and had her in his arms. Dab
ney came running up.
Il want to be the first to congratu-
ate you, old man." he said as he grasp |
ID Peters hand. 81 knew you'd win,
wen If sis does hate all the men /
xnow."
"All the men you known gasped
Ruby.
'This is Pennington, Pete Penning-
on" he explained. my roommate ut
ollege. He took the job to meet you
without the disadvantage of my In
lorsement"
Il would have loved him anyhow"
declared Ruby stoutly, millionaire or
I. F. d. clerk, as you like
When You Are Bilious