The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-04-02

There was a dip in the path from
the gate to the steps, only q little In
cline, but enough to make the house
appear to meet chance comers In an
attitude at once discreet and conf
Dental. The hollyhocks arrow along
the edge Of the porch added a sense
Of seclusion. They were tall and
lush and branchy enough to screen
the whole porch space throughout the
pleasant weather. People wondered
not a little that the Greers did not
plant vines instead-vines were so
much more graceful and lasting; then,
too, since everybody had them, they
must be the right thing,
Drenton was sick Of right things;
therefore, to see the hollyhocks, at
their best In blaze Of midsummer
sunshine, was to resolve that he would
live with them for the next fortnight
at least. He turned In through the
sagging green gate with the free step
Of assured welcome. 1t did not in
the least astonish him to have some
one say from out the hollyhock am
bush, Come in, though ] don't be-
lieve you can have any business
here"
You are mistaken" Drenton said,
smiling family. Settling oneself is
always fearful business. You'll help
meY Oh, / know you don't take board
ers-there is no look OF boarders, not
the least-but youll let me stay7"
4 can't tell until Mary sees you.
She's away--won't be back for an
hour" the voice replied. It was a
mans voice, high.pitched and weak.
yet not unpleasant. Peering within
the leafy shade Drenton saw a wheel
chair heaped with pillows, among
which there sat a drawn figure, pitt
fully distorted. But the mans face
was fresh-colored, almost handsome,
and a little tanned. He held out a
knotted hand to Drenton. as he added: I:
Il shan't say a word. Shed let you
stay If she thought | wanted you even
the least bit. / should like to have
you--you look new and strange.
Strangers are precious when you've
been fast in one spot for 12 years"
Denton shivered, yet shook the
crippled hand warmly and sat down
facing the wheel-chair. Il sha'n't
make trouble for-Mary," he said
smiling, yet gulping a little over the
name Tell me about her-ani
yourseM-before she comes Then
shall know better If ought to asl
shelter here / want to stay badly
and yet"
There is little to tell--now. 0uc'
thought there was a great deal.
, the man, William Greer, said, sigh
! ing family. THAT was before ur
, derstood-when | was ready, almost
to curse God and die You see, maj
ried Mary partly because ! was 8
sorry for her. She had had hard lines
taking care OF two on an income no
half big enough for one It was he
stepmother she took care Of, and tn
woman hadn't been overly kind. Blu
she had nobody else. SO when the hus
: band died, Just after she fell III. Mar
stayed by her as though 1t were
thing of course. How she did It M
4 body knows. There was only tn
House, and two hundred year froI
Mary's mother The stepmother wa
Ave years dying. and Mary someho'
saved enough to bury her. But tn
5 strain told on her; she was faded an
; scrawny-looked nearer so than 8
: We were Just of an age, and l. to
had been taking care Of people 1
stead of looking out for myself The
were my own people-brothers, ST
ters. and grandmother. Granny willie
the farm to the other boys, and VIII
money she had to the becaui
my dear grandson William is so we
able to take care Of himself. II
others thought the will very jus
Maybe Id looked for something a lit
different Anyway. married Mar
almost out Of hand And the We
next week came rheumatic fever
leave me as YOU see me"
And Mary?" Drenton breathl
rather than spoke.
Greer smiled wanly, yet with
Illumined look Mary didn't CO.
plain-then nor ever. I had a tri
Of money sayed--enough to buy tt
place Her old home had gone to D
some of her fathers debts as soon
it was free Of the dover rlgl
There's a bit Of ground behind-i
been our salvation. She plants thin
there, and kepes me out in the 81
shine while she is tending them"
You look TO her for-everything
le Drenton asked.
Greer smiled again. There's ney
any question Of looking to betwe
N us" he said AT frst-for a VIII,
MONTH prayed to die. Say rath
/ fought to die-the idea of a man !
ing on and on, clog and burden
the woman he had married."
". Il understand" Drenton int
he rupted. Death, whatever may CO..
ID after, must be JOY beside that"
er Mary must talk to you-why. v
he der she comesl" Greer said. his Il
GO lighting vividly. A talush wom