Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-10-25


Pet. why on earth Is It that Just
as soon as you get thing you don't
want It,"
That's just kink In disposition"
soothed Cherry. You'll want 1t all
right. Start In planning and pack
Ing, and you'll forget to worry"
Didn't John want me TO stayP"
mo; he said It was the best thing
for you to go II you wanted to-"
Cherry said, plaoidly.
Pet pursed her lips and started out
at the rooster.
Aren't men queer folks?"
Meaning John7 Why, he'll miss
you, dear, same as I will. but we're
proud to have you go and make
name for yourself"
Aunt Julia says they have been
hewers of wood and drawers Of water
since the days OF Adam, and she'd
like to know what else the pesky
things are good for"
Pet spoke dismally and Cherry
laughed.
That's Just like her. But that's
what makes the kettle boil. Johnll
miss you"
But he'll never say one word to
keep me from going"
Wish no would?" The gray eyes
we're keen now.
Indeed not He can do as be
pleases,"
Cherry was rather thoughtful that
afternoon. She cleared away the
cooking dishes. and got lunch. and
washed UP those dishes. Then abe
went out and sat on the side porch
where she could look down the road
to the blacksmith shop. She always
sat there afternoons, and sewed or
read, listening to Johns ringing
strokes In the distance. It had be-
happy, restful days to her. But this
afternoon the world looked different.
Along about sunset she left Pet to
clear up the tea things, and strolled
down the road. John was not In the
shop. She found him out back of
his own kitchen. sitting on the wide
oak bench, feet upon a butter tub.
reading the daily paper and eating
his supper.
John. that's no way to do" she
said, Just as II she didn't know he
always did II summer evenings. II
brought you down some fresh our
rant jelly and some tea biscuit.
Why don't you spread q place for
yourself inside and eat In comfort7"
HFThoffo tuhoN t,, Id 49,
swung back heartily. Got some
cornbread here, and cold beef. and
pickles"
Then Cherry said very firmly, but
foroibly, you need wife, John"
John took one OF the delicate tea
biscuit and buttered It with steady
fingers.
Not while I've got a neighbor like
you to send me these"
John" persisted Cherry, do you
like Pet7 Now, wait a minute. Don't
talk till / get through. Sometimes
womenfolk don't know what ails
them, when all In the worlds the
matter they are heart-hungry. May
be II that was what allied her, Pet
would settle right down here and live
happy ever after"
That amt what ails her, Cherry"
How do you known"
Il know, because I've watched her.
She's world hungry. Besides I'm
thirty
But that isn't old" protested
Cherry. Haven't you ever been in
love with anybody, John9"
IAN my life almost" placidly.
Fine tea biscuits. Cherry"
"All your lfe?" repeated Cherry,
blankly. did she die?"
mot yet, thank the Lord. She's
right here on earth, clearing up folks
troubles and-and making tea bis
cults"
Then Cherry saw light John
looked up at her, and she caught her
breath at what shone in his eyes.
Down the road was Pet and her
dreams of conquest and wandering.
He was silent, and her lashes fell
lest he should read too much in her
eyes
'I'll walk home with you, dear,
and we'll tell Pet" said John, quiet
ly. 81 guess it's about cherry time"
Copyright 1912. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)