The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1921-02-17
A HOMELY STORY
BY JACK LAYTON.
@. 1870. western Newspaper ralon' !,

gay and brilliant conversation. weary
or the necessity OF conventional attire
weary altogether OF the thoughtiess.
pleasure-seeking throng at the big hO-
Tel Of the seaside resort. For he was
man who did big things. who hewed
great pieces from mountain sides and
who built mammoth Bridges man
who lived shoulder 10 shoulder with
simpler. manly men. and knew not his
prominent engineering firm bore his
name. but David Burns was not often
ia the city Office His world reached
wide as his achievement SO. now.
relaxing comfortably upon the grass.
he rested his bronzed throat against
its soft shirt collar. His thick brows
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 10 be disturbed by 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
gingham Notwithstanding her
from the guests OF the hotel
he sank back again. smiling. re-
lieved. Here. evidently, was 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.
Il 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 hotelf'
he asked abruptly after silent sur
vey of the girls bent brown head. She
came back from her study TO attention,
then laughed az the question.
Il" she said. "a guest OF that ex-
elusive hotel? Why, ] am merely a
busy bread-earner away for an mex
pensiye vacation. At the price ! am
paying for country board. | might stay
there. well. just about half Gay"
Il see" said David;
Instlnctively. he knew that she
would ask for no Information con
corning himself. So. indirectly. he
gave IL. SOmeway or other. he wanted
this homely. restful girl 10 be Inter
ested
We are going 10 put big bridge
through here he told her Il sm
one Of the engineers"
Il supposed you would be-" she an
swered quietly.
Far away sounded soft, musical
gong.
Dinner Is served" David said.
From a loose pocket OF his coat he
drew forth a packet
Sandwiches" he explained. Il had
them nut up at the stOre-with
pickle. Thought I'd enjoy meal
alone. and a cigar afterward. out In
the silence"
The girl arose quickly, her smile
was sympathetic.
"All right" she agreed. Il VIII
leave You. II takes some time TO walk
back TO the farm"
She made a wry little face.
Hot day" she remarked. FOR
eorned-beef aud cabbage"
David's dark eyes were eager.
Couldn't you stay here and share
nv lunchs" he begged. There's
packet Of fruit In my other pocket.
and I've a convertible cup or two for
water. You could 90 on with your
copying afierward. while ia smoke
and worry out my problem
Thank you" the girl agreed.
Her pleasant and natural accepfsnes
was lust what he had expected; she
was such q true little creature.
You cannot th'nk." he said. as
they sat eating their sylvan meal to-
gether. how tired ] gel ~ ali the
society mp there. Keeps friipW NJ
a strain 10 do his experfe'i p e 'S-e-
clally when he has other things 90 ~
mind. Wish that they didn't happen
10 know Of my part In this enterprise.
Il think said the girl. slowly. that
have never seen more heautiNh
women than those who assemble 90
the hotel veranda-s weet-appesring
women. t0or
They are" David warmly agreed
-aower-women. sweet. fragrant, beau-
,lful We all enjoy flowers. The
world would be duh without them
But we don't always want nowers.
Won know. When we are battered snd
tired and used up. We want something
else
The giri considered her brown bread
sandwich.
a.