The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-03-17
3
UP TROUGH THE DAWN

an incongruous figure on the country
road. The little feet in the nigh
heeled shoes were better fitted for
city boulevard.
'.Hut I'm not hungry" she pro-
tested.
The small house, as they drew
nearer. showed itself weather-beaten
gray. A yellow cat summed herself on
the stone walk, and there was row
of shining milk pans on a side porch.
As they crossed the road the cat
came down to meet them. purring a
welcome. Margaret stopped and lift
ed her in her arms You pretty
thing" sh. said. Thus they went up
the walk together.
An old man opened the door. He
dragged one foot and c-rrfed u cane.
He started: then smiled. Come in"
he said. heartily.
III we might have breakfast" Alec
said. 1--WE would be glad tn pay for IL.
We left the train at Rosedaie, and ]
think we's wandered somewhat out
of our way"
"Come in the old man said again.
you are welcome to such as we
have. You're from the city. reckon"
Yes" Alec replied absentiy.
He was watching Margaret. She
had taken Off her hat and the cat
was playing with the loosened strands
OF hair. oh. you poor little child"
was his hearts cry.
I'm go out and get Lefty said
the old man. shell have things
ready in q minute"
The woman who came back with
him was as old as he, but stronger
and fresher. She had brisk way
with her, and a cordially that put
them at once at their ease.
NrS.x Ia rue tn n
Margaret. He's the descendant of
ono found here when i came,
twenty years ago"
Twenty years." Alec asked sharp
~. Have you lived here twenty
years.
Aren't you lonely"
"Oh, no. | have him" Her eyes
rested on her husband.
Alec drew a quick breath. But
don't you need other people,"
She shook her head. Il am too
busy. i have my garden and house.
and he can't do much
AS she placed their plates she laid
at her husbands place pink rose
bud. When she had hustled out again
the old man displayed 1t proudly.
Every morning for twenty years"
he told them, "she has put flower
there. In winter she raises them in
pots. but she never misses
Think OF IT, Margaret said to her
husband later, as they walked Tn the
garden. Think OF finding romance
here. | would never have dared put
flower at your place with the but
Ter looking on
Ibid YOU notice" her husband hest
tsted. did you notice that he said
grace before meat. Margaret? Some
how I wish that we had done that
all our lives"
Yes" she whispered.
They came to the well at the end
OF the garden. and she set a pitcher.
which she had carried, on the messy
| ledge.
And when i was In the other
room with her. Alec. she told me why
| they came here twenty years ago--f
| think II was because / couldn't help
| telling her a little of our troubles
| how we had run away from the world
F, she was so dear and sympathetic.
She said that many years ago he
| drank. But that he always loved
! her. So shS made up her mind that
she could do without every body and
| everything If she could save him.
and she has saved him. Alec. And
/ she hasn't cared IL she lost the whole
! wasld-and had him. Her voice
/ broke and she hid her eyes againss
| his shoulder.
| For moment he stood looking
| down at her in silence. Then he
/ asked. and all the still morning
/ seemed to listen for her answer. lis
| ii so with you. Margaret? Are wo-
men made like that?"
| She raised her head and her eyes
met his steadily. I'm not sure" she
| said. and I'm not very wise. but OH 4,
! II you will only let me try, Alec"