Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1921-08-05
A HOMELY STORY
BY JACK LAYTON.
sssssssssssessseessssssesSssSSSsssse:

pieasurc-Seeking throng at the big h,
tel Of the seaside resort. For he wa
Q man who lid big things. who hewe
: great Pieces from meIntan sides an
who built mammoth bridges n ma
who lived shoulder to shoulder VII!
simpler manly men. and knew not hi
own distinction The city Office OF ia,
prominent engineering firm bore III
name, bu, David Burns was not Otter
In the city Office His world reache,
wide as his achievements So. now
relaxing comfortably upon the grass
10 reSiea his hronzed throat against
It's soft Shirt collar. His thick hrows
we're knitted together as he studied
out his problem and some time elapsed
before he became aware OF the pres
ence Of the girl She had slipped into
the leafy nook without disturbing. or
allowing herself to be disturbed Us his
proximity, and was deeply absorbed In
her book.
David Burns. coming abruptly from
his problem. started TO arise. then re-
assured BY her detachment and the
humble appearance OF her brown
Bingham dress distinguishing her
from the guests Of the hotel.
he sank back again, smiling, re-
lleved. Here. evidently, was n crea-
ture as well satisfied with solitude and
her own pursuit as himself.
As he lazily lay. he noted the girls
plain, brown shoes and the plainness,
also. Of her face.
q see" said David, ''that they are
doing things down at Washington"
The girl nodded, and her easy reply
made Il evident that she was familiar
with "the things" that were being
done David leaned forward, inter
ested, her personality forgotten in his
own enthusiasm OF the subject. while
the girl with agreeable understanding.
entered the discussion.
"You are not stopping at the hotelr'
he asked abruptly, after a silent sur
vey Of the girls bent brown head. She
came back from her study to attention, I
then laughed ut the question
u. She said, "a guest Of that ex-
elusive hotel? Why, l am merely a
busy bread-earner away for an mex
pensive vacation. st the price I am
paying for country board. I might stay
there, well, Just about half day"
Il see" said David
Instlnctively, he knew that she
would ask for no information con-
corning himself. So Indirectly, he
gave IT, SOmeway or other. ne wanted
this homely. restful girl to be inter-
ested.
I'VE are going to put big bridge
through here" he told her. 'T am
one OF the engineers"
Il supposed you would be-" she an
swered quietly.
Far away sounded a soft, musical
gong
Dinner is served" David said.
From a loose pocket of his coat he
drew forth a packet.
Sandwiches" he explained. ~ had
them put up at the store-with
pickle. Thought I'd enjoy a meal
llone- and a cigar afterward. out in
he silence" :
The girl arose quickly, her smile C
vas sympathetic. :.
"All right" she agreed 81 will
cave you. 1t takes some time to walk ;
ack to the farm" 0
She made a WY little face.
Hot day." she remarked, for =,
and cabbage"
Tlot-fft- I.rf. ox.c. x.-o~, oocr~ 10
Couldn't you stay here and share S,
~ lunchl" he begged. There's a q,
acket Of fruit in my other pocket,
nd I've convertible cup or two for II
alter. You could go on with your q
Dpylng afterward. while I'd smoke l.
nd worry out my problem"
THANK you" the girl agreed. Il
Her pleasant and natural acceptance hl
as just what he had expected; she f.
as such a true little creature.
"You cannot think" he said. as a
ey sat eating their sylvan meal to In
'ther "huw tired get Of all the ar
ciety up there Keeps n fellow AZ
strain to 10 his expected part. 'SPe- 81
ally when he has other things on his liz
Ind Wish that ihey didn't happen
know Of my part I'm This enterprise"
u think, said the girl. slowly. that W
nave never seen more beautiful pl
,men than those who assemble on Il.
2 hotel veranda-sweeta appearing III
men, too" WI
They are" David warmly agreed ha
sweet, fragrant. beau
III. We all enjoy flowers The
rid would be duh without them. TN
It we don't always want flowers. Fa
j know. When we are battered and
ed and used up. we want something iie
e" Try
rhe girl considered her brown bread 81.
ldwich. ,
Food, perhaps" she smiled; 81 sup
ie there are sort of nice brown sag
'ad women grf
You are the nice, brown-bread IL
Il f.-.fd .otl onI no f,tn,aoa ~. Z