Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1916-12-05
Epening Story
THE HOUSE ACROSS THE VALLEY.
Copyright, 1916, by Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)
By Louise oliver.


Jane set the pies to cool on the
broad porch rail. The kitchen was
smothering, but outside gentle breeze
cool and refreshing, famed her cheek.
She stood a minute looking longingly
across the valley to the place where
workmen we're busy upon new house
a big one, all white. with brave RED
roof that oontrasted beautifully WITH
the dark green of the trees.
katharine, her lifelong friend was
marrying a rich man from the city and
the house was to be one Of their homes
jamie sighed. Katharine had always
been lucky and mad everything she
wanted. And now 1t would go on the
same way. In the winter there would
be the gay city life. with shops, thea
tiers, dances and dinners. jamie envied
her that more than anything in the
world. although the house across the
valley was wonderful place and
jamie knew that there would be ser
wants and luxury there too.
jamie walked toward the orchard.
where she could have a better view OF
the house and dream for an hour be-
fore getting dinner. Once she had Wis.,
tied cousins in town and there had
been a party Since then JAMES day
dreams and night dreams, too. for that
matter. had been about men like sleek
smooth black birds. with shimmering
shirt fronts and pearl studs, white
gloved hands and properly shod feet.
Men who rose when she approached.
courteously placed chairs for her, fan
ned her. petted her. and courted her.
and made her feel that she was the
only thing that had ever foated their
way out of heaven.
An empty wagon drawn team OF
big brown horses turned the bend in
the road, and the driver saw instantly
the little blue gingham figure on the
orchard slope gazing across the valley
at the big house. shadow crossed
his face. but he called cheerily: Hell
10. JAMIE, What's the news?'
She turned at his voice. Hello Tom
His heart contracted at the lack Of re-
Spouse in her manner. Where have
YOU beeuo" as he came up the hill to
where she sat.
He knew she didn't care and doubted
if she would hear. but he answered:
ITO town with load Of hogs. It's
early, but the pen is small and they are
getting" He stopped, wondering
why anything he had said should cause
that dismayed look in her eyes
Whats the matter. Janie?"
"Don't-ch. don't talk about hogs.
Tom, Please!"
why not? It's one wav I make my
living. And to me that's the most i'm
portant thing in the world Just now"
meaningly "Jsnie. dear. surely you
don't forget what you promised the
day went away to college four years
ago. Why couldn't wait until got
home. counted the days until could
get back and get nv hands on pillow
to work for you It's all I've lived for
dear. It's been a long wait, but only
went for your sake. wanted to know
things. to be worthy OF you and want
ed to know the best about farming. SO
could get big crops and raise fine
animals and make Won the mistress OF
the finest farm in the state some dav.
We can't start all at once dear: it will
be uphill for two or three years, but
it's bound to come! jamie, jamie soft
ly. look at me-"
But she kent her eyes on the house
across the valley. II she married Tom
and settled down to farm life kath.
arine's friends would motor and stop
at the dairy where she jamie. would
ladle out buttermilk to them. and the
men-those smooth. sleek city males
whom she had adored-would fip
down a quarter to the farmers wife
and 90 on their wav.
She shivered "Oh. Tom. I'm sorry.
but I can't. just can't. | don't want
tO m rry vO1L at all -
He tried to stop her. but she broke
from him and ran toward the house.
II can't can't" she sobbed on her
bed. when he went to college
thought he would come home lawyer
or something different from farmer,
and we'd live in town and have every.
thing fine. won't marry farmer
Tom did not bother her after that.
The world had turned black for him
with his bright. pretty little sweetheart
gone ont of his life. But JAMIE never
guessed the void that was in his heart.
Katharine married went to Canada.
and returned with her husband to
spend the autumn in their new house
In the country. jamie was with her
great deal. She loved the big roomy
place with it's restful. evcellently fur