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Page 55
Echo seated herself at the piano. Jack leaned against the
instrument, gazing fondly into her eyes, as she raised her face
radiant with happiness. Allen had taken possession of the best
rocking-chair. Mrs. Allen sat at the table, and the boys ranged
themselves about the room. Their faces reflected gratification.
They watched Echo expectantly.
Echo played the opening bars of "The Old Folks at Home." Before
she sang Fresno, holding up his right index-finger, remarked to
no one in particular: "I washed that finger."
The singing deeply affected her little audience. Echo had a
sweet, natural voice. She threw her whole soul into the old
ballad. She was so happy she felt like singing, not lively airs,
but songs about home. Her new home had become so dear to her at
that moment.
Mrs. Allen as usual began to cry. Polly soon followed her
example. There were tears even in the of some of the punchers,
although they blinked vigorously to keep them back.
When she repeated the chorus, Sage-brush said to Fresno: "Ain't
that great?"
That worthy, however, with the jealousy of an artist, and to hide
his own deeply moved sensibilities, replied: "That ain't so
much."
Jack had become completely absorbed in the music. He and Echo
were oblivious to surroundings. His arm had slipped about his
wife's waist, and she gazed fondly into his face. Sage-brush was
the first to notice their attitude. On his calling the attention
of the boys to their happiness, these quietly tiptoed from the
room. Polly signaled to Mrs. Allen, and followed the boys.
Josephine awoke Jim as if from a dream and led him slowly out,
leaving the young couple in an earthly paradise of married love.
When Echo finished, she turned in surprise to find themselves
alone.
"Was it as bad as that?" she naively asked Jack.
"What?"
"Why, they've all left us."
Jack laughed softly. "So they have--I forgot they were here," he
said, looking fondly down at his wife.
Echo began to play quietly another ballad. "I've always wanted a
piano," she said.
"You'd found one here waiting, if I'd only known it," he chided.
"You've given me so much already," she murmured. "I've been a
big expense to you."
Jack again slipped his arm about her waist and kissed her. "There
ain't any limit on my love," he declared. "I want you to be
happy--"
"Don't you think I am," laughed Echo. "I'm the happiest woman on
earth, Jack, and it's all you. I want to be more than a wife to
you, I want to be a helpmate--but you won't let me."
A wistful expression crept over Echo's countenance.
"Who says so?" he demanded playfully, as if he would punish any
man who dared make such an accusation.
Echo turned on the stool and took his hand. "I know it," she
said, with emphasis. "You've been worried about something for
days and days--don't tell me you haven't."
Jack opened his lips as if to contradict her. "We women learn to
look beneath the surface; what is it, Jack?" she continued.
Jack loosened his wife's handclasp and walked over to the table.
"Nothing--what should I have to worry about?" He spoke
carelessly.
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