The Ogden standard. [volume] (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 1909-09-25

But it was good TO be % eaTly the nest morning their
the cast yet rosy Tom the sunrise, Robert and ms
wife Up the path TO the house together she had
been to the barn 10 call MIN TO breakfast
The air quite still with that marvellous hush that
seems to listen Tor change. Each spear of grass
poised OH its TIP motoncss drop OF dew. AS the two
passed under the apple tree, orolc with rollckng
warblc, plunged downward and through the branches
Ike meteor shaking them a shower of wet petals
black. "'' - 1N'''' '> a. '''" Orange anu
oh, Robert look at hm-lookl"
Yes, dear, but Robert looked up at the sky instead
where white huffS OF cloud swan the blue It'll
ram tomorrow, IT It don't lore night, but the oornl
be in all ready for 1t"
Breakfast was brief and the click of the planter be-
San again Somehow tho constant retcration rritatcd
Alice IT tickcd an accompaniment to the washing of
the dishce II checked off the sweeping of the floor
"Nonscnsc!" said Alice aloud as she hung I'D the
broom with decision; then she went to the door aud
looked 10 the south field The sun was growing
hot; the horses ploddcd steadily, with lowered heads
a cloud of brown dust wavcred UP from their heavy
hoofs, almost euvclopng planter and The signif-
cancc OF that soltay figure struck her suddenly with
thrill like pain She knew in white moment the
emptiness OF tho symbol and the funess Of the truth
Robert 5oos keeping their anniversary
Along the lano at the side OF the house came boy on
a elsurely pony. Mr.. landon to homo? :" he called as
lie saw her.
over there" she guided him with her hand You
ride through the pasture II you want to-" She
watched him tho 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 want7 l sent HIM there"
ooh Just little matter about that horse you know
I'm gom town after dinner. You better get ready
and go along III take you up to Davss an stop for
YOU OF the way back It's only little off the road
wagon an you've been stayin home too much"
"Whatl before tho corHs donel" Alice looked her
Roberts laugh was boyish. "The corn's goin' 10 get
done all right Joe Davis is comm over with his team
an finish I've got to get load and its son' to rain
When he helped her up on the high scat of the farm
wagon and prang in beside her she looked him with
sudden JOY. believe Id like to go alt the way to
town Why not?"
ooh, l guess wouldn't; this wagon rides too hard
Besides, told Mrs Davis you comm when went
over TO get Joe She'll be expcctin' you"
Mrs. Davis had the comfortable poise of woman
who fitted her particular niche to the satisfaction of her
self and everybody concerned She what the neigh
bor called capable; Davis was not; but that only
his wife an opportunity exercise her talent for
aging. Not that she medding dictatorial; she
never made fuss-it was waste OF energy. She car
ricd her small world steadily its with the quiet
rcstlcssncss of an elemental force Alice liked to be
with her; she gained store of strength thereby.
But this afternoon she covcrtly listening for the
rumble OF Roberts wagon long before it timc to
expect him. Mrs Davis had an carly supper for them
selves and the children. but still Robert did not
Alice undissusedly anxious. 1t was sunset wien
he drove into the yard the buggy. Alice out in
surprise
YOU break down?
Nothin at all the matter Run get your hat 1t
got so late thought I'd go home first an do the chores
an let YOU have your visit out.
Look at those Clouds he said as they turned into
the road and faced the west where the
going down in a bilowing mass of purple thunder
" heads; thcre'll be rain tomorrow.
The rolling fields were blue-grcen in the haIf-ight
The birds flew low with swift dartngs. in pursuit OF
invisible insects The sorrel colt drew them swiftly
with smooth roll OF wheels the level road. Alice
was dreamly content She slipped her hand under Rob-
erts arm and he smiled down at her
You haven't had your supper, she said with sudden
concern.
Yes, I have, got lunch before hitchcd up,
L
When they drove up 10 the barn she stayed in the
buggy while Robert slipped the harness from the sorrcl
into the kitchen her husband put his around her
and drew her with him to the parlor door
Come in here minute She glanced up at him,
room and rolling up the shade, turned and looked at
her. she paused in the door
shining bulk filled OF the little parlor In
the fading light cleaned winc-red. cut across by the
white of keys.
Alice stood quite still while her eyes widencd and the
color left her face. Then she swept tho floor
like whirlwind and Robert gathered her up i'll per-
feet storm OF tears.
why why. why" He was really distressed II
didn't spose you'd take it that way" His own voice
was triAe unsteady Wouldn't you rather have it
than anything elsca I've thought about 1t ever since
aoh. | would would 1t isn't that It's just.
When she was quicter Robert smoohcd her hair
Twoud good TO hear you play again the way you
used to- m
She hid her face in his arm, with swift turp,
You'll understand If just tonight don't even touch
it7 It's beautiful and love it-ove i'll but just to-
night? l want to shut up in here and go out on the
porch" She drew him after her. He followed. snil-
ing and closed the door
The rain-sof air wrapped them in gust of fragrance
they out on the porch lhcy sat down on INC
ION step The blooming fruit trees shonc pale in the
dusk From somewhere the soft, quiyering cry
OF All owl The in her box on the sUcf rssI'ch
chirpcd uneasily and her mate from his nearby twlg
answered with sleepy twittcr. Finally Robert said
slowly:
TO- but I'D been pannin this since we was married
| knew you'd miss your piano ! was afraid II wouldn't
seem quite the same if YOU had it any other day, And
then it didn't como soon as Haynes Alice stopped
Peasc-I don't want know only-could We al
Robert laughed very tcndcrly. 81 guess so. Be
sides it wouldn't mean so much il We really could,
would it, Anyhow, that crop'o cornn pay for it