sense there about 'menial tasks.' Well, it
does give one hope to see such a woman as that in the old kitchen," and
then the hungry cattle welcomed him.

The traveler feels safe after the fierce Arab of the desert has broken
bread with him. It would seem that a deep principle of human nature is
involved in this act. More than the restoring power of the nourishment
itself was the moral effect for Alida of that first meal in her
husband's home. It was another step in what he had said was
essential--the forming of his acquaintance. She had seen from the
first that he was plain and unpolished--that he had not the veneer of
gentility of the man she had so mistakenly married; yet, in his simple
truth, he was inspiring a respect which she had never felt for any man
before. "What element of real courtesy has been wanting?" she asked
herself. "If this is an earnest of the future, thank God for the real.
I've found to my cost what a clever imitation of a man means."

It was as sweet as it was strange to think that she, who had trembled
at the necessity of becoming almost a slave to unfeeling strangers, had
been compelled to rest while a husband performed tasks naturally hers.
It was all very homely, yet the significance of the act was chivalrous
consideration for her weakness; the place, the nature of the ministry
could not degrade the meaning of his action. Then, too, during the
meal he had spoken natural, kindly words which gave to their breaking
of bread together the true interpretation. Although so feeble and
wary, she found a deep satisfaction in beginning her household work.
"It does make me feel more at home," she said. "Strange that he should
have thought of it!"

She had finished her task and sat down again when he entered with a
pail of milk. Taking a dipper with a strainer on one side of it, he
poured out a tumblerful. "Now, take this," he said, "I've always heard
that milk fresh from the cow was very strengthening. Then go and sleep
till you are thoroughly rested, and don't think of coming down in the
morning till you feel like it. I'll make the fire and get breakfast.
You have seen how easily I can do it. I have several more cows to milk,
and so will say 'Goodnight.'"

For the first time since chaos had come into her life Alida slept
soundly and refreshingly, unpursued by the fears which had haunted even
her dreams. When she awoke she expected to see the gray locks and
repulsive features of the woman who