The Washburn leader., 1916-08-11

/ ing her way through the tanGle OF
ragweed that obstructed her path. Be.
low her, Cabin branch rippled with .
soft murmur. Everywhere were mem
cries and mingling with them . soft.
clear whistle, once 80 familiar .
sound it occasioned no surprise when
she reached the farm gate to see .
man stretching out hand to open 1t.
II thought you would come" he said
quietly. 1.-The years have made no
change in you. You are not one day
older. Your eyes are sparkling and
your mouth has the same adorable
kink at the corners that"
He came through the gate and stood
| beside her. "You received my let
ter?"
mo. Did you write?"
"Then owe my good luck to Provi'
dence. I asked you to meet me here.
But had hoped for different recep'
ton. Elizabeth, won't you give me q
word of welcome?"
"I have first to forget years Of abb
sence and silence" she said slowly.
She smiled at him with unconcerned
eyes. "What have you been doing all
the years you have forgotten friends
and country?"
"Working hard. wanted q home.
When I needed recreation I cultivat-
ed flowers. You should see my gar.
den."
THAT would indeed be pleasant.
And your wife?" she asked courte-
ously.
"You are still an adept at fencing.
Elizabeth" he interrupted. "Are we
to continue the same old game?"
Il do not understand. We are too
old to play pussy wants a corner and
hide and seek. Those are the only
games remember. Perhaps will
recall others later on" she said.
1T will be pleasant to rummage
among old memories" he laughed
shortly, "but at present I am interest
ed in knowing when you received my
wedding cards."
"They never reached me. But .
home suggests a wife, doesn't it,"
"Not necessarily. The purchase
was the result Of settled purpose.
May I trespass upon your hospital
ity? For the first time in years can
treat myself to q short vacation"
"You are most welcome" she re-
piled cordially. "You have been sad
ly missed"
"Thank you. Your voice then held
it's first note Of friendliness. / was
beginning to feel homesick. Eliza
beth, will you let me give you lessons
in gardening during my stay?
She threw back her head and
laughed heartily. ut would be
wasted effort. Plants never thrive
for me, so I leave the borders to
Uncle Pink"
Perhaps you have never tried hard
enough. want to talk and I am
curious. Are you really as indiffer.
ent about that letter as you would
have me believe?"
Il had forgotten It.
"Then. l presume, since the letter
is SO easily forgotten, memory VIII
be at fault in regard to several things
l have been hoping you would rememr
ber."
! 81 remembered you," she replied
pleasantly. "Ten years is long to
keep one in mind, especially"
"Especially?"
"When one tries hard to be forget
ten"
She brushed the litter from her
dress. There was finality in the
movement that made him stretch out
. OBTAINING hand.
Don't go. It is very pleasant hero
even If I am disappointed In the
warmth Of my greeting, and do SO
wish. to tell you Of my garden"
She shook her head even as she
paused. II am afraid you ride an old
mans hobby. Come to the house and
tell me in the freight. The air 10
getting frosty"
mo. must tell it here" He hesi-
tated barely perceptible instant. 1T
is q hobby. Dear. you should see my
beds of pansies and rosemary"
The color Aared into her face. You
had prepared me for q garden of or
chids, but even old-fashioned flowers
can be an outlet for surplus energy.
You always did throw yourself body
and soul into whatever you undertook
to do"
"Why not. Elizabeth? This 10 Mon
day. I must be in my toffice Thursday
morning. Important business requires
my attention. else I would remain
here and begin at the beginning Of
things. Ten years - long time, but
you have never been absent from my
thoughts. I would have written. but
there was nothing to say. ] had moth
Ing to offer you. The best ] could do
was to work for . home for you. 1t
has taken me ten years. Wll you ac-
cept it7 viii you 90 back with mo
Wednesday,"
Her eyes swept the fields. She
paused 10 long that the man beside
her caught his breath and grasped
the rail Of the gate until his knuckles
showed white. Then she turned to
him