Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-16

Tip mOtlOnleSS drop OF dew. AS the tWo
passed under the apple tree an oriole with
a rollicking MARBLE plunged downward
and through the branches like meteor,
shaking over them a shower Of wet petals:
then he was off across the yard-a flash
of orange and black.
''Oh, Robert, look at him-look."
Yes. DEAR but Robert looked up at the
sky instead, where white tufts of cloud
swan across the blue. It'll rain tomor-
row, If it don't fore night, but the corn'll
be in all ready for it,
Breakfast was brief, and the click of
the planter began again. Somehow the
constant reiteration irritated Alice 1t
licked an accompaniment to the washing
OF the dishes; it checked off the sweeping
of the floor. Nonsense said Alice,
aloud, as she hung up the broom with de-
c!sion; then she went to the door AMI
looked over to the south field. The sun
was growing hot; the horses plodded
steadily, with lowered heads; cloud OF
brown dust wavered up from their heavy
hoofs. almost enveloping planter and man.
TIL. significance OF that solitary figure
struck her suddenly with a thrill like pain.
Sh knew in one white moment the empti-
ness of the symbol and the fullness of the
truth Robert was keeping their anniver-
sary.
Along the lane at the side of the house
came a boy on leisurely pony. Mr..
Landon to home?' he called as he saw
her.
Over there" she guided him with her
hand. You can ride through the pasture
if you want to-" She watched him
across the green stretch until he stopped
at the fence and waited; then she went
back to her work.
When Robert came at noon she asked
him about it. What did the boy want?
sent him over there"
"Oh, just a little matter about that
horse. you know. I'm goin to town after
dinner. You better get ready and go along.
I'll take you up to Davis an stop for you
o.. the way back. It's only little off the
road. You don't want to go clear to town
in the lumber wagon. an you've been
stayin' home too much
What! before the corn's DONE" Alice
looked her amazement.
Roberts laugh was boyish. THE corn's
goin' to get done all right. Joe Davis is
comm over with his team an finish. I've
got to get a load, and It's goin' to rain to-
morrow"
When he helped her up on the high seat
of the farm wagon and sprang In beside
her. she looked at him with sudden joy.
II believe I'd like to go all the way to
town. Why not?''
"Oh. 1 guess 1 wouldn't: this wagon
rides too hard. Besides, told Mrs. Davis
you was comm when I went over to get
Joe. She'll be expectin' you
Mrs. Davis had the comfortable poise of
a woman who fitted her particular niche
to the satisfaction Of herself and every
body concerned. She WAS what the neigh
bors called capable; Davis was not: but
tina only gave his wife an opportunity 10
exercise her talent for managing. Not
that she was meddling or dictatorial; she
never made a fuss-it was a waste Of en-
ergy. She carried her ANAL world stead
lily on its way with the quiet restlessness
of an elemental force. Alice liked to be
with her; she gained store of strength
thereby.
But this afternoon she was covertly
listening for the rumble of Roberts wagon
long before it was time to expect him.
Mrs Davis had an early supper for them
selves and the children, but still Robert
did not come. Alice was undisguisedlv
anxious 1t was sunset when he drove
into the yard in the buggy. Alice ran GU.
in surprise.
why. what's the matter? Where's the
wagon? Did you break DOWN."
'NOthin' at all the matter. Run get
your hat. 1t got SO late 1 thought I'd 20
home first an do the chores an let YOU
have your visit out
Look at those Clouds" he said, as thew
turned into the main read and faced the
west, where the sun was going down in
billowing mass of purple thunder heads;
'therell be rain tomorrow
The rolling fields were blue-green in th..
half-light. The birds flew low with swift
dartlings, in pursuit of invisible insects.
The sorrel colt drew them swiftly, with a
smooth roll of wheels over the level road.
Alice was dreamily con,ent. She slipped
her hand under Roberts arm and he
smiled down at her
You haven't had your supper" she said
with sudden concern.
Yes, I have. 1 got lunch before I
hitched up. 1 knew you'd have yours
When they drove up to the barn she
stayed in the buggy while Robert slipped
the harness from the sorrel and let him
through the pasture gate AS they went
into the kitchen her husband put his arm
around her and drew her with him to the
parlor door.
Come in here minute" She glanced
up at him. half startled at the oddness of
his tone. He crossed the room, and, roll
ing up the shade. turned and looked at
her. as she paused In the door.
A shining bulk filed one corner Of the
little parlor. In the fading light it
cleaned wine-red, cut across by the white
row Of keys.
Alice stood quite still. while her eyes
widened and the color left her face Then
she swept across the floor like a whirl-
wind and Robert gathered her up in
perfect storm Of tears.
"Why, why, why" He was really dis
tressed II didn't s'pose you'd take it that
way His own voice was trifle un-
steady. wouldn't you rather have it
than anything else? I've thought about 1t
ever since we was married"
"Oh, WOULD would. 1t isn't that
It's just, somehow-you!''
When she was quieter. Robert smoothed
her hair back and said gently: "Ain't you
goin' to try it? 'Twould seem good to
hear you play the way you used to-
She hid her face in his arm with swift
turn. you'll understand If just tonight
don't even touch 1t? It's beautiful. and l