Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-03-20
CHAPTER II.

cHAPTER II. .5... ~
Beginning at the beginning and
learning from the ground up was a
long course for Bibbs at the santa
rum, with milk and "zwieback" as
the basis Of Instruction; and the
months were many and tiresome be-
fore be was considered near enough
sradua Hon to go for a walk leaning
on nurse ana q canev These and sub
sequent months saw the planning, the
building and the completion Of the new
house, and It was to that abode Of
Bigness that Bibbs was brought when
the cane, without the nurse, was
found Sufficient to his support.
Edith met him at the station. 'Well
well, Bibbsv' she said, as he came
slowly through the gates, the last OF
Ill the travellers from that train. do
you think they ought to We let you
come? You certainly don't look well"
"But certainly do look better" he
returned, in 4 voice a. slow as his
rait; q ;draw1 that was necessity,
for when Bibbs tried to speak quickly
he stammered. "Up to about a month
ago It took two people to see me. They
had to get me In line between EN-!
Edit, did not turn her eyes directly
toward him again, after her first QUICK
glance; and her expression, in spite
Of her, showed a faint, troubled dis
taste. She was nineteen, fair and slim,
with small, unequal features, but
nrettiness Of color and brililancy or
eyes that created total impression
close upon beauty. There was some
thing about her, as kind old ladies say.
that was very sweet; and there was
something that was hurried and
breathless. Bibbs bent upon her a
steady, whimsical scrutiny as they
stood at the curb waiting for an au-
tomobile across the street to disengage
itself from the traffic. ..sA.y
THAT'S the new car" she said. "Ev-
erythinR's new. We've got four now.
besides Jim's. Roscoe's got two"
"Edith, you look" he began, and
paused.
s.Oh, wvss oil WELL" she said brisk
II: and then, as II something in his
tone had caught her as significant
.Well, how do ! look, Bibbs " l.. J., !,
sYou look" He paused again, TAX
Ing in the full length Of her-trim,
brown shoes, .scant, rough skirt coat
81 browu and green, mad little rough
hst A the mad mode suited to the
October day.
.55' .How do I Iookr' she insisted:
.sYou look" he answered. as bis ex.
animation ended upon an incrusted
watch OF platinum and enamel at her
wrist .syou look-expensive" x
II expect l amir she laughed. DO
you want Claus to help ysu inF''
.oh, no. said Bibbs. "I'm alive"
And after a at Of painting subsequent
J. ia his climbing into the car unaided.
he added, "Of course, have to tell
people!" .....- ,.,
1--WE only got your telegram this
morning" she said, as they began to
move rapidly through the Wholesale
district neighboring the station.
4 Mother said she'd hardly expected you
this month"
"They seemed to be through with
me no there in the country" he ex-
planned, gently. "At least they said
thew were, ana they wouldn't keep me
any longer, because 80 many really
neg people wanted to get in. They
told me to so homs-and didn't have
any place else TO 90. It'll be all right.
Edith; I'll sit In the woodshsd until
dark every day" :.
apshawi" She laughed neryously.
.4of course we're all Of US glad to have
you back" 3
7 eyes r. be said. "Fatheri' p.
aOf course! Didn't he write and tell
YOU to come, homer" She did not turn
Is him with the question. All the
while she rode with her face directly
forward.
81 .No.' &c said: "sat.er hasn't writ
ten. I ill.,. .,.-. III,
2 she flushed q little: Il expect
sught 70 we written something, OF one
~ tic b1ys" Y
..Oh. ~: that was all right.
Oh can't think how busy we've
i59 hi been this year, Bibbs. OF course
"a knsv mamma was writing often
and =, = i s:l5 n
aof copEssr' be said, readily
..There,s y chunk Of coal fallen o.
your glove, Edith. Better dick Il On
& i,,fore Il smears. Ny word! I'd 81
most forgotten how sooty It i here,
sWe,ve been having very bright
weather. this month u.s. s il
blew the fake OF SCOT into the air
seeming relieved.
,He looked mp at the dlngy SKY
therein hung the disconsolate sun like
I. cold tin pan nailed up in smoke
house 81 some lunatic, for decora'
Hon. .sYes,v said Bibbs. ITS very
81 9ay..8A few moments later, 90 s.sJ
i passed corner, aren't we goinl
Homer, he asked. ..Your new driver
y taxing ustout Of the way, isn't he &,
\ \ Good srac.ous" she cried. DION,