Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-08-31

rum, with milk and "Zw1eback 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.
we'll, 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 l certainly do look better" he
returned, In a voice as slow as his
gait; a drawl that was necessity.
for when Bibbs tried to speak quickly
he stammered. up to about a month
ago 1t took two people to see me. They
had to get me in a line between emf
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
prettiness of color and brilliancy of
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
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-
| besides Jim's. Roscoe's got two"
Edith, you look" he began, and
paused
"Oh we're all WE'LL" she said brisk.
"; and then, as If something in his
tone had caught her as significant
We'll, 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 l 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-expensive"
Il expect l amp she laughed. "Do
you want Claus to help you in?'
"Oh, no." said Bibbs. I'm alive"
And after a fit of painting subsequent
| he added "Of course, I have to tell
peopler'
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 | didn't have
any place else to go. It'll be all right,
| Edith; I'll sit in the woodshed until
dark every day"
| "Pshaww She laughed nervously
"Of course we're all Of US glad to have
you back"
Yes" he said. "Fatherw
| ho AL
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
tenn
She flushed a little. 81 expect J
ought to We written something, or one
Of the boys"
"Oh, no; that was all right"
/ You can't think how busy we've
| all been this year. Bibbs. OF course
| we knew mamma was writing often
! and"
''Of courser he said, readily
There's a chunk of coal fallen OF
| your glove Edith. Better flick it of
before it smears. My word! I'd al
most forgotten how sooty it is here
We've been having very bright
weather this month-for u.s." She
| blew the flake of SCOT into the air
seeming relieved.
He looked up at the dingy sky
| wherein hung the disconsolate sun like
a cold tin pan nailed up in a smoke
house by some lunatic, for a decora
ton. yes" said Bibbs. Its very
gay" A few moments later, as they
passed a corner, Aren't we going
| homer" he asked. Your new driver
is taking us out of the way, isn't he?'
Good graciousr' she cried ''Didn't
you know we'd moved? Didn't you
| know we were in the new house?"
''Why, no!' said Bibbs. care you?'
We've been there a month! Good
gracious! Didn't you know" She
~