The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1922-08-10
Stopping at
Sally's
BY LAURA MONTGOMERY

Clcn looked very tired as he closed
the small wooden gate behind him.
He hoped with a hopeless fervency
that Brian would have something
started for their midday dinner.
There was, however, no odor of
food In the air when he entered the
kitchen, and swift glance at the
sink disclosed the pile Of breakfast
dishes still unwashed.
Hello, Glen, aren't you home
earlyT Brian looked up with his
swift flashing smile, then bent his
eyes again to his canvas. II had a
good morning. My picture simply
leaped ahead. I tell you, Clem, In
the years TO come III"
Glen tried to get painful OF pota-
toes from the box near the cellar
door without acting mattentive, but
Brian's rowing glance caught him.
Cant you sit down minute and
listen, Clem7 All morning I've want
ed to talk tc you about the compost
tion of this"
Clem's patient, honest eyes rested
affectlonately upon the thin, vivid
face of his dearly beloved younger
brother. Clem had been both father
and mother to the art-loving young
ster and he had as complete faith In
the others talents as even Brian pos
sessed.
81 must get some dinner on, be-
cause | have TO get back to the ware
house." he explained, setting on a
kettle of water to heat while he
peeled the potatoes.
Brian painted on In annoyed ST.
lence for moment and then threw
down his brush: MEALS are such an
interruption" he cried 81 don't feel
hungry"
The smell ot paint in the chill,
damp air was overpowering. Brian
had, as usual forgotten TO add wood
to the fire. go down to the store
and get a slice Of steak, Brian; that
viii give you a breath OF fresh air."
advised Glen, patiently.
Brian had no desire for steak or
for any food, but he experienced a
feeling of compunction as he noted
how Clem's square shoulders sagged.
Quite evidently Glen was already
tired out. and he had long after
noon of lifting heavy boxes and bar
rels before him. II tell you, Glen,
when I've made great name you
shall have things easy. You went
without new hat so could get those
new paints, and"
Glen smiled. The end of the SEN
tence was lost as Brian, now repent
antly anxious to hurry the meal for
Clem's sake, shot through the door
and down the path.
There were a number OF people In
the little general store waiting to be
served but the one clerk was still
behind the mail boxes sorting out the
mail, which had been delayed. Brian
stood near the door looking at a news
paper on the counter when he heard
his name mentioned.
"Yes, Clem's bound to lose her
She's waited seven years now, and
Sally's too pretty girl to go unmar.
rled. heard that Gordon Holloway
has been calling some and he bought
box of candy tied up with pink rib
bons Saturday night. Sally's sister
had the ribbon in her hair going tC
school Monday morning" The speak
er an aged woman with an odd
crocheted net on her curly gray hair
smiled wisely. II think It's shame
for Glen Is crazy about her, but with
Brian on his shoulders he'll never
, make enough to keep n wife. The
. idea OF Glenn hustllng freight all day
, and going home to cold, dirty house
/ while Brian sits at his ease anC
paints. 'Taln't right"
All thoughts Of his mornings worl
! vanished from the young mans mind
Even the vexed matter of the prOpel
/ atmosphere for the vlvid-eyed male
with the green scarf that brought ou
the flesh values so wonderfully wal
forgotten. His mind was fixed on hi
! past with ar appalling clarity. HI
{ had grown up depending on good OLE
Glen. Through his rather spoiled
> childhood he had always appealed e
Glen when he wished some extra In
diligence, and It had been Glen wht
, had first noticed his wonderful skill
in drawing, ard 1t had been Glen
, also, who had sent away the little pic
ture In colors that had brought hin
, small prize. Every bit OF pleasan
encouragement he had received in hi
home town had been given him b!
his brother, and he had come to taxi
the loving service indlffrently-al
most as his due. He knew Of Glenn
love for Sally Waite, and he had al
: ways expected, in his vague. imprac
j tlcable way that they would ulti
mately marry. That Glen was loslni
, his chance with her because he wa
E supporting a younger brother In un
/: productive ldleness he had neve
0 guessed. Brian had worked inces
!. santly-worked with a feverfsh hast
I that lessened his chances of success
g but this labor had been Of no service
In the little cottage where the dishe