a, but was too polite to ask
questions or make comments on her very simple purchases. Her old skill
and training were of service now. She knew just what she absolutely
needed, and bought no more.

Holcroft laid in a good stock of groceries and some juicy beef and then
returned. When Mr. Jasper gave him his bill, he went to Alida, who was
resting, and said in a low voice, "This won't do at all. You can't
have bought half enough."

For the first time something like a smile flitted across her face as
she replied, "It's enough to begin with. I know."

"Really, Mr. Holcroft, I didn't know you were married," said the
merchant. "I must congratulate you."

"Well, I am. Thank you. Good night."

A few moments later he and his wife were bowling out of town toward the
hills. Reaching one of these, the horses came down to a walk and
Holcroft turned and said, "Are you very tired, Alida? I'm troubled
about you taking this long ride. You have been so sick."

"I'm sorry I'm not stronger, sir, but the fresh air seems to do me good
and I think I can stand it."

"You didn't promise to obey me, did you?" with a rather nervous little
laugh.

"No, sir, but I will."

"That's a good beginning. Now see what an old tyrant I am. In the
first place, I don't want you to say 'sir' to me any more. My name is
James. In the second place, you must work only as I let you. Your
first business is to get strong and well, and you know we agreed to
marry on strictly business grounds."

"I understand it well, but I think you are very kind for a business
man."

"Oh, as to that, if I do say it of myself, I don't think it's my nature
to be hard on those who treat me square. I think we shall be very good
friends in our quiet way, and that's more than can be said of a good
many who promise more than they seem to remember afterward."

"I will try to do all you wish for I am very grateful."

"If you do, you may find I'm as grateful as you are."

"That can never be. Your need and mine were very different.--But I
shall try to show my gratitude by learning your ways and wishes and not
by many words of thanks."

"Thank the Lord!" mentally ejaculated the farmer, "there's no Mrs.
Mumpson in this case;" but he only said kindly, "I think we understand
each other now, Alida. I'm not a man of words either, and I had better
show by actions also what I am. The fact is, although we are married,
we are scarcely acquainted, and people can't get