Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-08-14
CHAPTER Ill
Strange Country

1t seemed natural thing to Ernes
tine, however 1t seemed to tile others,
to waken on her marriage morning
In the little back bedroom of the tiny
house where the Todds had lived all
their married life. She was instantly
wide awake and orIented. Perhaps 1t
WAS the close tangle Of Wills arms
about her that made everything nor
NAL. Perhaps the delicious conscious
ness OF new happiness had never en-
tirely been lost In sleep. 1t did not
matter at all about the family now.
Thinking of everything, Ernestine
felt In her heart something new about
VIII. Added to her romantic love for
him was something really more won
derful: a sound thing-respect He
had behaved admirably.
She was filled with transport Of
tenderness, strong conviction OF hav.
Ing done well. Now. at last, life had
begun for her. The chrysalis OF girl
hood was broken. aud she was
emerged into womanhood. She had
become real. Always now. VIII would
be here beside her at the beginning
OF every day. Gravely she considered
this, and sent up wordess prayer
that she might be good wife.
Some one was moving about In the
kitchen. and she heard the rattle of
Goals tn the kitchen crate. How close
and small the house was Each sound
came through the thin walls distinctly.
Ernestine realized that she would
have to close the window, and she es
sayed to rise. But at the first move
ment Wits arms frightened about her,
though he did not waken. Ernestine
extricated herself and got up with
swift strong movement.
You have to work today, WILL" she
said in such wifely tone that he
laughed and looked up at her ador-
ingly.
Il suppose now I've got somebody
even worse than my mother about
making me get up.' he said, and then
added. .Hey. wait. III gtf you some
warm water" for Ernesline was wash
Ing her face In the basin that stood
on n small Washstand near the door.
But The water out Of tie pitcher,
which had stood all night with the
cold wind blowing through the open
window upon II, was cold and invigor-
ating.
viii shaved in the kitchen, and
Ernestine could hear his voice, in an
affectionate murmur, talking to some
one. Before the small wavy mirror,
she applied her makeup, looking at
herself sharply. She arranged her
sleek soft hair, proud Of its thickness
and texture. What was there In her
face? Was she different this morning?
She must not be different. She pow
dered again, and rubbed some OF the
scarlet off her lips, which were as red
as cherries under the lip salve.
She made the bed neatly and set
the room In order. packed up her be-
longings. The smell OF coffee and the
sound OF the percolator made her feel
faint. She had eaten nothing the eve
ming before.
In the kitchen, Wills face turned on
her, as bright as triangular mirror
with the sun on IT, His mother was
sitting by the kitchen table, with a
warm shawl over her heavy dress. She
could be up at times and this morn
ing she had made the effort. Ernes-
tine went to Wits mother, and kissed |
her.
X hope you didn't get up on our
account, mother" she said gently, but
I'm glad you are better"
The woman looked up at Ernestlne,
her faded eyes, under the dropping
brows, regarding this strange bird
that had slipped SO easily into her
nest How old she looked, thought
Ernestine. She was generation be-
yond mamma, for she was old with A
gentle humility and meekness that
Ernestlne had never met before.
There was not In her even the stub.
bornness that sometimes the meek
can use SO effectively.
Wills father Ernestine could under
stand. A carpenter, with a gift for
woodcutting, he was a skilled and able
workman and had great pride In his
trade. He was tall. thin, stopped
man, with a clean-shaved, heavily
furrowed face and brightly saturnine,
black eyes, which regarded Ernestine
with kind Of grim humor. He made
her realize without saying so. that he
aisapproved Of their marriage as much
AZ her people did, but that he was not
the man to cry over spilled milk.
They could count ON his kindness.
At breakfast In the bright kitchen.
Ernestine and WIN made plans.
You are welcome to stay here as
ong as you like" said Peter Todd,
out the two shook their heads. They
rad already decided to be independent
1t once.
I'VE might just as we'll 20 today.
ind and place to board until we can
,et an apartment" said Ernestine.
ooking very young and earnest. "rI
yet my trunk from mammals, as soon
10 we have found residence. It's