The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1908-01-22

the barrel of tar. and Florence SAT-
down on the damp cellar floor and
cried, but not for long. She soon dried |
the tears on her old apron and vented
her bitter anger on the head of Joseph.
He stood for moment listening, then
turned and went out, muttering:
Il thought it was a lady, but |
might of knowed diggin' in the dirt
never made a lady yet" And Joseph
was a thing of the past
Florence sat upon the stone wall to
think it over. Eight dollars for the tar
of yesterday, $12 for the fertilizer of
today Ideas were not always prac-
teal, and ideals did not materialize as
they might Fight as she would against
them, the tears would come again.
The sound of wheels on the road near
at hand reused Florence She turned
to see the express wagon from the gen.
eral store about to deliver the barrel
of tar. She jumped down from the
fence and hurried to the gate which
led to the old stable.
WHY, Mr. Rivers, what are you do
ing? Driving the express wagon?" she
exclaimed as she recognized in the
driver one of Goshen's leading young
men.
"Hello, Flor he cried as he tied the
old horse to the gatepost Its me,
all right. Just loafing around for
few days finishing up a business trip.
Dad said you ordered this tar from the
store, and l said I'd deliver 1t and kill
two birds with one. throw. | was COM
ing up to see the wonderful mush
rooms anyway before left Call you,
man to help me unload the barrel. will
you?'
"Oh. Dick-Mr. Rivers. mean.
haven't any man, nor any boy. nor any
mushrooms. Yes. I've been crying
she added. as he glanced sharply Al
the somewhat wet cheeks. I0tl sec.
she went on. i've had bad l:cis Wit
my farming"
They wandered instinctively towaf
the wall. Dick took out his pipe am
began to light it.
y
with fine impersonal interest.
mot very WELL" she admitted. THE
idea is all right, but skilled labor is
hard to get, and after all I'm only {
woman"
What about the ideals?' suggeste
Dick as he pulled away. Seems t
me you told me that you had ideals
as well as ideas"
ooh, still have them-in my mind
of course. but they are SO hard to fnC
in real life
Dick crossed his legs and Rugged tie
! uppermost knee. He was not looking
at Florence, but straight ahead, acros:
the fields which lay before them. L
was one of those beautiful winter day:
which apparently had nothing bu
warmth of sun and breadth of blue SKY
to offer.
Its just year ago today" he mus
ed aloud, yet as if talking to himself
"A year ago today. A man in Low,
and a girl with ideals. Couldn't MAKE
it 60 Such a team couldn't pull to
gether in harness. Twelve months
finds the man still in love and the cir
clinging to her ideals. Hopeless case
eh, don't you think?''
ooh, don't knoww sighed Flo. mo
so hopeless as raising mushrooms, TO
instance"
Dicks knee slipped through his grip
and he stood beside the girl.
"What do you mean, Flor he de
manded. "Can you forego the idea
and take me after all?" and he stretch
ed forth both hands.
"Will you take me, DickY' she sal
as her two hands met his.
''Take you, darling" and he drey
her close within his arms. "But yo1
said No."
But 1 didn't mean It," she whisper
ed as she nestled close to his neck.
didn't mean itv' he cried, lookin
down at the radiant face. "Well, blu
you said it, and how was I to know
You told me you had ideas of you
own and an ideal besides, SO got GU
to give the other fellow a decen
chance"
Men are such stupid creatures" sh
assured him. 81 didn't think you
take mo- for an answer, and my idea
were to be happy in home with yol
and you, Dick-oh, you old dear-yo
are my idealv'
The strains of the wedding marc
sung in several different keys by III
trained voices reached them. and the
we've confronted with the girls. VIII
II failed in their mission the da
had returned to meet with be
Its.