The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1921-02-17
Their Little House
By ROY NEWBERRY
tcopyright.)


the steep clearinghouse stairs.
For answer Marian threw herself
into his arms and held up her red
lips.
81 paid Darby a deposit. and as soon
as the abstract has been passed on
I'll pay him In full. Eight hundred
dollars, Marian. Itell you It's buyF
"Oh, I'm SO pleased! just to think
that it's ours. Wen have to get right
to work on the plans"
"we1l run out there right after
supper, honey"
Hardy came home In the dumps.
what do you know about thatF he
said "Twenty -One hundred and fifty
eight was the lowest bid. They ran
all the way up to twenty-five forty.
That will bring our place up to nearly
thlrty-fve hundred. can't stand for
that on my salary"
"Oh, my! that too much." Marian
agreed. I'VE can't afford 1t, john"
II always did like that plan OF
yours" he declared, seeking his pipe
furtively as she sank back into her
chair.
Its within our means. We don't
want to bite of too much. Then II
you have extra room you're bound to
have company. We don't want soul
bothering u.s."
Don't be selfish, son." she admon-
ished. drying her eyes behind his back.
He turned toward her. Haven't
We earned it?' he demanded. "Cooped
up here with a houseful Of people for
four yearsf l tell you I don't want
to see a soul around our place until
all Of this has worn of. What did you
do with that plan, dearr
She brought 1t to him, alive again
10 the pleasure Of speculation.
by George, that Is a clever plan."
he assured her.
Jack was deep In contemplation Of
the plan.
"You certainly have got things fig-
ured out pretty fine, honey" he as
sured her at last. ut didn't seem to
me that We could be comfortable In
such little place"
Comfortable? Wen be as snug as
can be-" she interrupted.
1T isn't as though there were chill
dren." she tried to speak bravely.
Eyes, l know" Jack said. II guess
you're right about it. I'm willing to
put 1t all up to you. Suppose you go
right ahead and carry out your own
ideas. I'll be satisfied"
"Oh, Jackl" she cried brokenly.
You aren't losing interest because"
mo. no, honey" he assured her
quickly. ut isn't that"
"Go ahead. Sign the contract and
get to work. We want to be settled
by Christmas"
The little house was nearing compile
ton. Set well back from the street. 1t
nestled among the trees In perfect har-
mony with Its setting.
Passers-by stopped and admired
visitors to the little city paused at the
door to question and voice their
praises.
Prospective house builders sought
Hardy for suggestions. He grew more
enthusiastic every day.
"Why, that place is gen." he told
his wife. Il could have sold 1t today
for good, big profit. The whole
towns talking about It,"
1t had been their custom every eve
ming to make q pilgrimage to the little
house to note its progress and to dis
cuss the furnishings. Piece by piece
the household goods were installed.
and at last everything was In readi-
ness for their occupancy Of the snug
nest.
Marian tried to conceal the fact
that the strain had been too much.
"I'm SICK" she admitted at last.
Downright sick. I'm going to see Doc
tor Harding"
In great chair before the blazing
hearth sat John Hardy pulling in an
ecstasy of contentment and pride upon
his old meerschaum pipe.
He turned to Marian, who, through
with the dishes from their first meal
under their own roof, lay upon the
broad divan.
II tell you. honey, this Is the great
est evening Of my life," the husband
declared feryently.
"Yes, yes. dearie." she answered. II
can see how you're enjoying IT,"
For an interval John pulled on In
silence.
II didn't tell you about the old couple
that came today" Marian said at last.
"What did they wantf he asked.
blowing a cloud Of smoke toward the
polished beams above.
They were such a sweet old couple.
so gentle and so-just good, and he
was SO kind to her. They wanted to
buy the house."
mot on your life," John cried, sit
ting bolt upright.
They're coming back day after to-
morrow to see YOU" Marian softly in
terrupted.
Coming back" he repeated, facing
her. "Why, are they coming backi