Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1920-01-01
SWEET PEAS
BY LOUISE HOFFMAN.

Gertrude fraser was sealing the
last jar of pineapple when she heard
a timid ring at the front door, Through
the glass panel she caught a glimpse
of dainty little woman in a cool white
wolfe gown. She opened the door and
found herself gazing into a pair of the
softest velvety brown eyes she had ever
seen.
Scarcely had a word of introduction
been spoken before these comparative
strangers. instinctively, felt a mutual
attraction.
The little woman, Miss Eunice
Sprague. was carrying an exquisite
bouquet of sweat peas, which she silent
ly placed in her hostess hands.
"How lovely!" exclaimed Gertrude,
ecstatically, They are my favorite
flowers, inseparably linked with my
dearest and sweetest associations.
Why, here is my old friend, Marks
Tey," drawing forth a dusky bicolor
of huge size, land here is Dobbie's
Cream and Wedgwood Blue and beau
tiful Blanche Ferry with blush-white
WINGS" she rambed on. naming each
In turn.
The little wOmans velvet brown eyes
glistened. I'm sure you love them,"
she murmured, sinking into cOmforta-
BILE winged chair which Gertrude drew
forward. do you grow them?"
1--WE planted some, but unfortunately
they are a little late"
Gertrude buried her flushed face in
the delicate fragrance and drew great
drafts of inspiration from their depths.
She was so tired. HOusework discour-
aged and fretted her so. There was
such an infinite amount of detail. One
was never done. She could direct
staff of servants in hotel management
with comparative ease. But she found
1t quite another matter when her two
hands must do the work of cook, wait
ress, chambermaid and seamstress
even If the establishment was small.
Her idea of rest and relaxation in a
small house, to which she had fled in
this quiet little hamlet, had proved a
delusion. Yet here was this little wom-
an from the narrow confines of farm
life, who had probably been accus-
toned to this drudgery all her life,
fairly radiating peace and quiet
They chatted away like old friends
on various subjects for few minutes,
but Gertrude went back to the flowers. |
Come and see my sweet pea trellis,"
invited Gertrude.
"Why," exclaimed Gertrude in rap
lures, as they entered the garden.
Here is King of the Whites in bios
som. They were my bridal flowers, you
know" she explained happily reminis-
cent as she picked the clustering i'm
maculate white blossom.
The little womans velvss brown eyes
glowed with Il strange sympathy. "How
she murmured Then in a
scarcely audible tone she cOnfided
"They were to have been mine, too.
But your love story ended happily"
with a yearning usefulness.
Gertrude Fraser glanced up quickly.
In a flash she saw the little woman
was yearning for the prize every wOm-
In longs for. And here she was max
ng herself miserable because she
couldn't attain an impossible ideal in
Suddenly, she came to
realization of her priceless blessing.
mo, no, don't say it's ended happily
-et," she begged, leading the way to
ecluded garden seat.
The little woman looked troubled and
he sadness in her eyes deepened. 1t
vas such a shock to have this new
ound friend ruthlessly dash her cher
shed dream on the rocks.
81 meant" continued Gertrude softly I
adiant as she caught the fleeing eX-
ression. my love story is going on !
apply. I'm happier now than | was
n my wedding day." 9
The little woman leaned forward
agerly. I'm so happy to hear you
~ that" she breathed. 81 knew you
lust be happy. How could you be
therwise in a dear little home like
lis? You know" she explained, this
as my old home. and I've always
wed it. | was born here"
Robert and ! were TO nave Deen
arried the year before we moved
ve had planned to have oceans of
veet peas for our wedding, and Rob
t had helped me plant them. month
sfore our wedding Robert was obliged
make trip to Paris, and while there
ar was declared" She paused mo-
ent. ut is five years this summer
nee saw him last gaiiy waving his
% as the steamer disappeared from
ew. Then one awful day early in the
ar received official notice that he
as lost in action"
A motor whirled into the driveway.
young man, with the assured air of
slcome visitor. painfully alighted and
liked over to the sweet pea trellis.
he turned TO go to the door, the
tie woman caught a glimpse of his