Year: 1874

newton. IL would put US back SO
much"


"Yes, there it is; the old doctor was
right" he thought. And then aloud.
DO you know what l went to the city
for the day you were i'll ?"


''To deposit some money for more
land 1 think you said" she replied
YEARLY.


"Yes, but do not need that land.
have far more land than 1 can cultivate
now. And you shall have that money
or, at least, all you want of it-and
go home and stay all the summer, and
try to get some of your blood back. 1
shall write to-day that you are coming" 4"


Mrs. Streeter could hardly believe it
was not one of her feverish dreams.


But it all came about In good time,
and she arrived safely at home, where
she was petted and caressed to her
hearts content.


"You are all trying to spoil me, she
would expostulate shall never be fit
for farmers wife any more"


And thus among loving friends,
riding, walking, and when at home read
ing music, and writing long letters to
her husband, the summer wore swiftly
away.


And now he had written that he was
coming, and. she was counting the days
that must elapse ere she could look
upon his face and be clasped to his
heart. She was eager to go now. Her
holiday was over. Health had returned
and not an instant did she shrink from
the old life.


And when the husband came and saw
the wonder one summer had wrought,
ne again told himself that the good
doctor was right.


A few days were given to the old
friends and then they turned their faces
toward their western home.


1t was evening when they arrived, and
the wife looked with bewilderment on
the change. A handsome front had
been added to the old dwelling and
before she had time to question she was
ushered into parlor newly furnished
and already lighted. An elegant piano
stood in recess evidently constructed
for its reception.


She turned toward her husband to as
sure herself that he, too, had not
changed into something or somebody
else. But the merry twinkle in his eye
told her he was enjoying her surprise,
and slowly she began to realize the
whole situation. Yes now she under
stood his strange reluctance to mention
what he was doing, and his willingness
to have her remain, even after she had
expressed her anxiety to return.


"Come, 1 have more to show you,"
and he showed hor into large COM
modious room furnished for her own
sleeping apartment, even to her baby's
crib.


"This is for you. And now lay aside
your dusty garments and prepare for
tea. 1t must have been ready an hour
ago. 1 will go and see."


When he returned he found his little
wife sitting in her little-rocker and
weeping silently.


"Have l wounded where 1 wished to
heal ?" he asked reproachfully.


Forgive me-" she said smiling; 81
am a goose, but a tired-winged one, you
know. And am so happy to be at
home in such a home that have Io
words in which to tell my happiness"


He stopped to kiss the offered lips.
And what different life it was-busy,
not burdened. Time for the wants of
the mind as well as the body. Good
help in the kitchen all the time, and
choice reading for any leisure hour.


The farm was an unfailing source Of
income, fully defraying all expense in
favor.


"Been improving I see," said DIR.
Meeker, as he reined his light carriage
to the neat fence.


"Yes, Doctor. Come in; 1 want to
show you all the improvements. Here
Mary, the Doctor wants to see you"


And as she came to greet him, rosy
with health and happiness he nodded
his head at her husband.


"Yes, that will do" and then glancing
at the open piano, 81 am going to stay
Just long enough to hear one tune
played. Will you favor me ?" And with
the old gallantry, fitted so awkwardly
to his brusque manner, he led her to
the instrument, and stood hat in hand
while she played. There, thank You, l
have cut off my own supplies. No
more fees for me here, see. Just my
luck, I never did know enough to make
my bread and butter. Goodbye, Mrs.
Streetes." And again nodding to the
husband, he trotted out to his vehicle
and went on his way, his CHEEKY voice
to his horse, per haps the
tune he had Just heard.