The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-01-08

when he got it, because it broke him of
the nasty habit Of reminding me, whenever
he was in a bad humor, Of what a peachy
prospect he enjoyed in the brokerage joint
here that / tempted him away from"
Barbara was a rapid talker and she
could attend to two things at once. From
round knees to ankles, the brown stain
had been swiftly applied. Alice watched
her fascinated, but her hungry mind held
the significant kernal in Barbara's last
t tell you the truth went on Bar
bara, unexpectedly, with a flashing smile
'fOr a year or two 1 was uneasy; always
fearing Phil was regretting your
1t was candOr.
Indeed? ?" The rejoinder was icy. But
Alice's heart beat painfully. And would
Mrs. COrning's laundering legacy remind
Phil of what might have been?
well you know men," explained Bar
bara cheerfully, patting her ankle brOwner.
"And-and you got over your fearf
smiled Alice. Her face burned. The listen
But her mile was well done.
well, you see, Junior came and l was
in such a bad humOr over him coming
that didn't think much of anything else.
And then after he was all here, baWling
and needing attention, l didn't think Of
anything much but him. And then Phil's
mother died and Phil broke his ankle at
her funeral-it was winter and icy walks,
you Va then Junior got the scarlet
lfever-it's left him with the hOrridest run
ming ear-pOOr little baby-and you know.
Things happen and you quit thinking
about a lot of other things"
Alice sat silent. One does not always
quit thinking. Besides, this recital had an
effect on her that she did not quite I'M
derstand. 1t removed Philip Ickes from a
familiar clear cut place in her mind.
The Anne person was still staring. Alice
haughtily turned a French blue crepe
shoulder on her.
WANT to see a picture of JuniOr?" asked
Barbara. vivaciOusly. She reached for a
snapshot prOpped against Il cold cream
Iior eft isn't q hif UOO0- His father s there.
Alice took the picture. The watchers, the
listeners! She could not turn her rlgld
bow Of four or so, with an eager
2 sickly face. He had Pills mouth and his
mothers lively black eyes. And Phil be-
t Side-hOW had Phil changed! He was pre-
occupied with the child, holding his arm
/ firmly as if to keep him from running
across the street. He had a mustache-
"D'ye think he looks like me or Phil? 2
Both of you, 1 think" said Alice, com
D Wont nutter to a good studio ant
5 get some decent ones, now! Barbara DIeV
j a kiss at the starting listeners who wer'
0 nearest. i've come into dough! Owe.
twenty-thousand!
l You're a liar" retOrted one.
Barbara blew another KISS.
> Have your own opinion, daring"
But she turned vivaciOusly to Alice TO
> confirmation. It's so, isn't itE To tn
: dOubter who had a Madonna profile an
il Broadway eyes. This is an old flame o
. Pills, and a generous old party VIII
- didn't keep up with current events WI
be mentioned in my prayers until /. ge
down in the ground with the worms
Alice sat still, burning with mOrtifaca
y ton. Was Barbara as naive and careles
y as she seemed? Or was it purpOsetul ms
y lice? She was not sure. Barbaras race
u bent over in the aSsiduOuS business q
- makeup, was not so young as 1t ma
seemed to an orchestra seat. ., not so far
y Us Junior with his father?' she aske
h u hone not at this time Of night! Or he
IL eating sailed peanuts, potato salad, chocC
late. shrimpS, and God knows what els
And l can't say Aunt LINDA much DeILe
ut although she does make an effort TO col
nj troll her weakness where Junior is col
In cerned. But you can't impress Things q
Ie Phil. Even doctor bills don't teach him.
Alice bit her lip. Two more lovely youn
Of bodies had turned toward her in uVel
ly interest. Why had she asked that purpos
a less question? Certainly not to inject IN
i her mind q rather unpleasant picture
is Phil, with a not becoming short, stubt
~ mustache, feeding peanuts and shrimp
er from a paper sack to a greedy child. 81,
Barbara locke up brightly. by Il
way, In glad I've seen you. You knO'
l. Pills said two or three times that he WI
s. sorry he didn't marry you"
"Ah! That was kind of him" A scarf
"And I came right back, Too late, 0
ell boy! Too late. That girl has long al
forgot you and got better company"
THANK you"
rt Some persistent chatter across the roo
suddenly lulled; then shrilled with I
,st newed force.
TX And l said to him. You can't do I
ne dirt like this! You can do me dirt Ii
IA thisr l said to him"
TT "Dirt! Well, let me tell you COr&le, VIII
ed happened to me last week. That broth
of mine meets me on the street and la
ct. me out flat because 1 don't hand him
good sized loan! Me-that amt finish
no paying for those two lots at the edge
de Jersey City"
hrs Hurting AIice's ear drum, Anne's lus
Ter contraltO shouted: Lay OFF, Their
something interesting to be heard OF
ar here! Give us a chance to listen"
Say, Anne hTssed Barbara, with
,ad alarmed movement of body. shut U
ike COrale'u dog me for a loan before L
.gh gets here and collects the legacy!
old -