The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-14
CHAPTER VI.

Morning had already broken over the ridge and rolled in a golden splendor down the canon when the men awoke, They had talked late the preceding night. Tom had listen ed and commented vigorously on Jerry's account of his marriage. Tn the clear light of day Jerry wondered at the fabricated yarn he had spun. It was so utterly unlike him to have created such a romance
 Its weight still oppressed him at breakfast. Edith had prepared the meal for them, and they found her finishing the last of Jerry's catch to a fine brown in the skillet.
 Good morning" She looked up smiling.
 Her appearance brought a wave of color to Jerry's face. He had never seen her in a prim calico apron. her hair smoothly combed back. In fresh ness. in homely efficient manner. she was thoroughly domestic.
 By George, Jerry. you do deserve conmendation,' Tom said admiringly.
 Frank you" Edith beamed, Pm afraid he's already so settled down he just takes things for granted"
 ''I wish I could"
 Jerry muttered ejaculation. evoked a gracious smile.
 Your taste in canning srrornd is excellent, Mrs. Carson" Tom vieved the scene. Jerry told me you chose it."
 Il like 1t. I thought we could DC so comfortable here. and it's conven- lent for Jerry when he comes home tired out with fishing"
 She composedly served the rrou, and poured coffee. Jerry was un- comfortable, though he could not avoid secret wish that the Dretense were a reality.
 After this coffee I'm off for nv next camp. I'm going over the di- vide and drop down the week end at a house party with college friends in the far canon
 The gloom that gathered on Jerry's lace was Illuminating. Edith smiled across at him.
 So your secret will be out. Too bad, Jerry"
 Jerry hid his expression behind an upturned coffee cup from which he drank hot liquid rather heedlessly
 T couldn't keep it, you know Ton, grinned. of course not!" Jerry rose abrupt Iy. l''- Fishing today, Jerry?" Edith stood beside him.
 
 Well, I'll have to take the long trail" 'l'e ions
 Tom lifted his pack. They shook hands agreeably, and Tom showered good wishes. When he vanished m the trail Jerry turned on Edith
 Se here, what the deuce is the end of all this?"
 Her eyes were calm as the morn ing sky as she looked at him.
 AI it?" ''I 'iie end or
 "I shall have explanations to malra later; you forget that"
 The boys will admire you more. Jerry ana neither they nor you will Know or see me. Why make nooUn- ealns out of play dust? Let the mat ter pass. I made a lovely wife. and now am again free to play"
 She turned away from him as though he were out of her thought.
 Edith. don't want to fish. want to talk"
 Alas! How the demands of the flesh hamper us, Jerry. Your basket IS empty and We must eat"
 She caught up his fishing kit and handed it to him.
 The demands of supporting a fam fly even in primitive life grow very tedious, but you assumed the resnor- sfbilfty voluntarily"
 Ase he made his way toward +ba stream he was distinctly aware of her amused eyes following him. Resent ment swelled to rebellion.
 She would not be allowed again to make light of him, that he resolved.
 For half an hour he nursed his Yn- d1gnation, then the memory of her - as he had been moved by her the night nefore' crept through his being, filling every cranny with warm apprecta- tion of her charm.
 Long before noon he had a suffi- c1ent fish for the day. and he turned toWardS camp, resolving that she should give him the afternoon.
 At lunch she seemed lost in rneds- tatfon, only speaking to answer his or holding affirmation to remarks. When the dishes were cleaned and put away he lit his pipe. watching her while she brushed out her hair with superb indifference to his persistent gaze
 By love, Edith you have lots Of hair, wonderful hair!'
 "Yes?"
 Do you object to my mentioning
 T should have been offended if you hadn't"
 "You wouId?"
 T should, moreover. be appreciated for allowing you to watch mo comb It. Really, Jerry; you don't properly enjoy privileges"
 How do you know?"
 She looked up quizzicaIly
 ''It took you four days to make love to me. and you are twenty-three."
 "But you wouldn't let me-"
 She sang a few measures of popular song as though he were not pr resent.
 ''I tried to talk to you at first, but aside from meals. you prohibited"
 You persist in being stupid, don't you? And it isn't becoming"
 "I persist in explaining. [ want justice at least.'
 .As a rule, a mans fool" she quoted with an abstract air.
 Hang it, I wish I could under stand you"
 That's very simple. All you have .O do fs do if,