Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1916-04-06
CHAPTER II.

Beginning at the beginning ana
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 he was considered near enough
gradua ton to go for walk leaning
on a nurse and cane. 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 Bibbs.' she said, as he came
slowly through the gates, the last of
all the travellers from that train. do
you think they ought to We let you
come? You certainly don't look well"'
"But I certainly do look BETTER" he
returned, in a voice as slow as his
gait; drawl that was a necessity,
for when Bibbs tried to speak quickly
he stammered. up to about month
ago it took two people to see me. They
had to get me in 4 line between 'emn'
Edith 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 a
of hill IF
eyes that created a 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.
''That's the new car" she said. "Ev-
erything's new. We've got four now,
besides Jim's. Roscoe's got two"
Edith you look" he began, and
paused.
ooh, we're all WE'LL" she said brisk
ly; and then, as if something in his
tone had caught her as significant,
"Well. how do l look, Bibbs?"
''You look" He paused again, tax
ing in the full length Of her--trim,
brown shoes, scant, rough skirt, coat
Of brown and green, mad little rough
hat in the mad mode-all suited to the
October day.
How do I look?" she insisted.
you look" he answered, as his ex
animation ended upon an incrusted
watch Of platinum and enamel at her
wrist, ''you look-expensivew
Il expect l am!' she laughed. "Do
you want Claus to help you in?"
ooh, no." said Bibbs. I'm alive"
And after a fit of painting subsequent
to his climbing into the car unaided.
he added. "Of course, l have to tell
peoplew
1--WE only got your telegram this
morning" she said, as they began to
move rapidly through the wholesale
district neighboring the station.
Mother said she'd hardly expected you
this MONTH
'"They seemed to be through with
me up there in the country" he ex-
planned, gently. "At least they said
they were, and they wouldn't keep me
any longer, because so many really
sick people wanted to get in. They
told me to go homeland l didn't have
any place else to go. It'll be all right,
Edith; I'll sit in the woodshed until
dark every day"
''Pshawv' She laughed nervously.
"Of course we're all of us glad to have
you back"
"Yes?" he said "Father?"
''Of course! Didn't he write and tell
you to come home:" She did not turn
to him with the question. All the
while she rode with her face directly
forward.
NO" he said; father hasn't writ
ten.'