The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1922-04-13
RUTHIe'
sy MARGARET MouLroN


While Ruth was at smith COLLEGE.
and Rob nj Amherst. their childhood
friendship developed into something
Infinitely dearer Bu, on Ruth's class
day. Rob had choked hack the y love
you. Rushie.- that he aehed 20 say,
and instead had murmured huskily, II
must help dad To make good In return
for this chance he has given me"
Ruth. her eyes misty. gafed across
the campus. "And I must pay back
every cent "a mother aud my dad" she
whispered. 1T meant a lot ~ sacri
Ace to put me through college"
They both sighed and understood
perhaps what was ln the Others mind:
"when our debts are paid. we can
have our happiness together"
Ruth had gone 10 New York to
well-paid position ~ translator In q
big banking house.
That winter Ruth had an emporium
ity 60 90 TO the Havana once Of her
Arm. and she spent a year In Cuba.
Rob wen, 20 New York 20 see her
when she returned from Havana.
H. spent an uncomfortable eve
ming IN the tiny apartment Ruth
shared with her chum. Kitty. q lively.
irresponsible girl. who chsttered and
giggied until her nance came To escort
her 20 the movies. kitty's nance was
q weil-dre.sed, likeshie chap. and Rob
felt a lurking suspicion that Ruth
probably knew many men Of that
type. smooth-mannered. cleverly tailor
ed. self-confdent young men, as cap-
able In their line ~ work rs Ruth was
IN hers. Somew hat reluctantly she
told Rob 81 her success she was nov
manager Of the foreign department ~
the hank and could speak FIVE Ian
rusges.
Ruth cooked something In the chat
ing dish that night. but Kitty and her
friend returned In time % share the
lunch. and Rob went home with
despairing feeling that Ruth had out
grown him and the farm ne was work
ing so hard to improve.
They kept M desultory corespon-
dence. Rob felt gllmmer Of hope
when Ruth wrote that she was com
ing home for a months vacation the
next fail.
Rob called at the Martin farm the
morning after Ruth's arrival. Mr..
Martin opened the door and greeted
him cordially.
"Ruth's pretty busy In the Kitchen
she said. smiling. Perhaps you'd bet
ter 20 out there. Rob. You know the
way"
A tempting smell 81 plcalilli testi-
fed TO Ruth's occupation.
Hello. Bobbie." she cried. gaily.
This IL like old times. isn't III Ny
hands are too sticky to shake. 80 well
have 20 postpone Mat. You might help
yourself to one 20 those doughnuts
I Just made, then sit down In that
rocker and be comfortable. and tell
me all the news. lad says you're the
best fruit grower around these parts.
I understand you took all the prizes
nj the county fair"
Rob grinned ms he BIT Into the fresh
doughnut. you must come over and
see my orchard some day. Ruthle." he
said. modestly. But Why all this ac-
tivity on your vacationT'
'You remember Kitty Ruth asked.
No she stirred her pickles. well. she's
going 20 be married next month aud
live In our apartment. Tie furniture
Ia all hers. anyway. So have to
find another place 70 live. I've de-
cided to give Kitty a unique wedding
present. I'm going 10 MI a huge bar
~l with jars Of home made preserves.
and jellies. and pickles. and canned
things. She needs something like
trying 90 keep house In such a tiny
place. Why. this lovely. big sunny
kitchen would hold the whole apart.
mentl"
Il thought you we're mighty fond ~
New York; said Rob.
Ruth began Ia fll the Jars and her
hack was turned 10 him. 20 he could
not see the twinkle In her eye. II
hate New York" she replied. en-.
phaiicnliy. when begin housekeep-
ing, II viii h.-well II won't he In
New York"
Thht afternoon. Ruth went over
with Rob 10 inspect his farm.
Its called Hammond nm fnrm
now" Rob explained proudly. ms they
dsove up the hill and could see the
rows aud rows ~ sturdy trccs. Later
they wset to the packing house where
boxes 20 prize apples were ready for
shipment.
These ar. beauties ?" Ruth ~.
claimed. honestly. hooking down NJ the
tempting Grayenstelns before her.
"iIoW would you like box uf these
10 send 10 Kitty. along with the tar,
rel oi goddess Roh asked.
"Oh. Rob. how thoughtful you are :"
Ruth gave him a grateful smile.
''Do you stlll remember how o. make
apple pies. RuthieT"
She flushed "I--er--yes, IL course"
shs stnmmsred
It'd like Co have one Of your apple
pies cuoklng In my kitchen. rs a
lovely, blg, sunny one Ike Your moth.