The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21
! JULIA.
HER PORTRAIT ON THE WALL LOST S|LAS A WIFE,
CHRISTMAS STORY BY EVA WILDER McGLASSON

Better come over to Christmas dinner.
Berry; jest home folks-'Liza's sister am
them. Come on over if you want to; one
more Won't count"
Berry Lowry laid his hands together over
his vest, which was of obsolete length. its
yellowish velvet ground wrought with de-
sign of purple sprigs like dyspeptic cater
pillars. "Thank'e, Si.'' he said in tone Of
some little dignity. II d'know as l keer
much for coming" flush was spreading
over his small smooth cheek bones, and his
mouth trembled, though it was shut hard.
The other man stretched brawny arpu-
mentative hand over his blue jeans thigh,
and changed his TOBACCO quid. II reckon,''
he said. with sort of heavy amusement in
his wide red face, 'thet yon an'-Julia-
heb! heh!-ul hey it mighty lonesome dom
Christmas by yourselves. But suit your
taste. Berry. Ny house is yourn whenever
you like to come to it. Me an you is all
thet's left of six children, an brothers is
brothers. I'm sorry you m M wife don't
gee very we'll. don't reckon YOU take
Liza jest right. She wishes you we'll, Liza
does. Unly last evenin'-er vast evenin,
afore last?-she was sayin' yeu no business
Twin by yourse'f, like you hev since mother
died, when thars them handy as would be
promo l3sms. TO . 40 ier YOU" He jerked an e1-
box OF cottage with leap of fire-lipht in
the tiny dark window. "She owns her own
proputty too" he went on, referring to the
occupant Of the cottage, IAN you could
rent TINS place, Berry, an 1--we in her house."
he paused, and shook with deep gurgle of
laughter. II reckon she'd be SO glad to oft
you, way you've SHE'D off all these wears.
tibet she'd let you fetch Julia along, an set
her up in the parlor.''
The other mans cheeks followed. as if in
an EFFORT OF self-restraint. His face was
like bit of white wax which has lam for
years IN work-box and bears the marks of
countless threads. Over his neck GREW an-
burn hair of wig-like thickness and fresh |
ness which Knocked at the dim blue of his
eye. There was an uncertain air ahont |
him, as if he were puzzled at life. and the
whole enect of his presence was yapue as
the delicate bloom and evanescent lines n
daguerreotype.
The house in which he had ALWAYS lived
affair. which eeemel an embodiment ST h;s
own personality. 1t had a mournful glitter
or lde-llghts in its doorway and its small
upper windows in their half closed shutters
wore an expression of dreary reserve. Moss
grew thick on the deep hipped roof, and
wlndow-ledges.
hev every respect for Liza, Berry
Lowry was saying. In the insistent tone Of
one who feels himself mastered by nm un.
reasonable antipathy, but she needn,t
mind if I-if don't keer to hey foILs a.
range things for me. Mrs. Santmire ia 4
woman. he lowered his voice, pIancino
1ornveiy at the bright window of the nejeh-
boring house. as if he feared his mention If
i ss. mistress might. in Some occult fashion,
draw her to the pane-'.a woman / admire
an al tibet; but d'know as it d make me-
any better of toto marry.'' -.'
1oud GIT your meals more reeerler.m
don't keer much about meals; = saw.
!nlnk everything of Lina-of Mrs. SAINT.
n!Ie, but d'know. Thar's things in NV
mlnd abe wouldn't reach up to. 1 alvays
ned an Idea tibet if ever married. I'd lie
my wife 70 look ike-to be the same stvie.
Eyes an all. of-of--,'
nus brother turned and spat. in order Ia
have all his facilities free for the huge Onf. ;
Eav into which he burst.