The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1915-05-06
BY A. J. GARTH.


From that day until this, through two
lonely, heart-breaking years, old Abner
Dorset had gone about the deserted
house like a dazed, numbed creature
unable to rally from a deadening
shock.
1t was Una who had won him finally
from his bitterness and despair What.
ever her sufferings, poor girl, she
never let the world know their depths.
She hid her misery with smile. She
felt it her duty to care for the poor
old man.
1t was not often that Una attended
any usual functions. Hers had be-
come home life, but once in a while
some close girl friend would tease her
into attending a party or reception.
That same evening the brother Of such
q friend became her escort to birth.
day celebration in the next town. He
had shown marked attention to Una,
and she regretted it and decided this
would be the last time she would &C.
company him.
An open carriage from the livery
called for them. The driver sat muf.
fed up on the front seat in his great
coat. Una's escort carelessly regard
ed him as the sleepy-headed driver he
usually employed, and after they had
driven a mile or two. to the distress
Of Una, made fat proposal for her
hand in marriage.
Il am very sorry" she said, but
you must not speak Of this again"
There is some other?"
There always has been!" muir
INJURED Una softly" it will be always
the same"
The driver moved, stirred with some
deep emotion, but silently drove them
to their destination and back home
again. When he took the team to the
livery he handed its proprietor bank
note with the words:
Thanks for catering to my fancy
to act as a driver on a special occa.
sion," and kept his face shaded, as
during his spell at the lines.
Mr. Dorset and Una got up turkey
dinner for the next day. That evening
Una, her father and mother and her
sister were invited guests, and it
cheered up Mr.. Dorset to be in such
friendly company. Una looked charm.
ing in her spotless white bib and
tucker.
"All ready" she announced at last,
and the well-broWned turkey was ush.
cred into evidence. THAT is strange!"
spoke Una, returning to the kitchen and
finding the outside door slightly open.
She picked up the covered dish OF
sweet potatoes, carried it to the table
and sat down, feeling she had done
her duty and was ready for the due
reward.
Il declare! this is simply grand and
neighborly"-began Mr. Dorset, and
then he came to an abrupt pause, the
cover to the potato dish in his hand.
He dropped it to stare past a steamy
veil within the dish at a neat rubber.
banded package Of papers.
whats this?" he exclaimed, and
then fell back, overcome. "Bonds!"
"Bonds?" repeated Una, vaguely.
rising up from her chair and hurry.
ing over to his side.
"Yes," uttered Mr.. Dorset, hoarsely,
as though some quick suggestion
brought partial illumination to his
mind, land the same bonds identically
that ordered two years ago and that
Wilfred-Wilfred- What does this
mean?"
1T means-it must mean Wilfred!"
ventured Una, with speedy CLEAN OF
intelligence.
did you call me?' interrupted a
new voice, and there in the doorway
stood-Wilfred Dorset! $685..
The old man got up, shaking from
head to foot. Una stood staring, pal.
pitating.
tits all right, father" spoke the
newcomer, moving to the side of Mr..
Dorsett and placing loving, gentle
hand upon the silvered white head
"You true angel" burst forth the
returned wanderer, and his arms were
extended, and Una ran into them. "Ah,
you were all ready for mel"
Yes, there, as at every meal Una
attended to in the lonely house, was
the plate set for the missing one
Next to it she had sat and there a mo-
ment later those two were together.
I slipped that package into the dish
lust now in the Kitchen explained
the returned outcast. IT drove you
over to the party last night, Una.
heard your answer to your escort.
Then knew hight hope
A More or Less Dry Remark.