The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1933-11-23

fire-and open al the windows, and
I'll sweep and take the covers of and
dust where do you suppose they
keep the brooms and things?"
She flung her hat and coat on .
chair in the kitchen and came back
with an enormous kitchen apron
tied around her neck, and . broom.
why you aren't doing anything!
Hurry up-we want to have it all
fixed before they get here-weIl put
them to shame. Curtis-don't stand
and look at me-,cork!"
"Oh, never expected to find it
like this" he kept repeating, Is he
pried open the windows, and rolled
the rugs back over the swept floor.
Il thought it would be-like it al
ways was"
"A fire burning, and flowers on
the tablet" she laughed. "You see
you're spoiled. But it's . wonder
your mother didn't send Annie
ahead, isn't it? Maybe they're
bringing her with them in the car.
Or do we have to do our own work
this time? It would be sort Of nice
not to have any servants-just pic
mic. Is she bringing Annie, Cur
tis?"
He was staring ut the empty fire.
place. rubbing his hands IS if they
"Curtis! You xever listen to me.
Is your mother bringing Annie?"
II don't know" he said absently.
II don't think 50. I'm awfully sorry,
johnnie wouldn't have brought
you. I thought it would be just as
usual"
"You wouldn't have brought
me-" she echoed.
II mean-that is, I'd have taken
good care they got here first. The
fact u.s." he said, smiling . little
sheepishly, II had an idea we'd get
here before they did. Thought it
would be rather nice, II we did get
here h. s,, first. and perhaps have dinner
1T 10 nice" she said warmly.
It'll be lots Of fun. Doesn't the
place look lived in already1 When
the fire burns q little brighter it will
be perfect, and I'll find . bowl for
our peoples. But we won't have
anything to eat until they do get
here-there isn't even . can Of
sardines In the pantry-just pepper
and salt and flour!"
"Oh I have some Of the supplies
in back Of the car-Ill get them"
He came back with . hamper, all
out of breath from carrying it up
the steep stone steps.
Joan rose from the fireplace.
where she had been coaxing the big
logs with twigs and rolled news
papers. Her face was anxious, ut
would Be fun and al that to 20 on
and get something to eat-I an
starving-but wouldn't they think
1t was queer?"
"No-most natural thing In the
world. Well get dinner for them
when they get here. Five o'clock
Il that too early to eat?"
.N-no. but I think we ought 10
wait until six for them"
"Well-all right" He sank into
m arm chair near the fire and
watched her while she explored the
hamper.
"chops and bacon, and tomatoes
salad and coffee and ham and
eggs and everything but not
enough TOR six, Curtis. Why there
are only four chops!"
ssOnly four? That's funny-Oh.
well, they'll have more stuff
Yes, know-but it's such Z
funny way to fix it." Her clear
eyes searched his. s'Unless Won
knew they wouldn't be here until
after dinner"
w. Well had pretty GOOD idsa.,
Don't cr0ss-examino nse-fcr
hesven's sake, Joan. It's getting 70
b = regular trick Of yours. sWhea
viii they get here?' sWhat time F.
they leave7' Good heaven
ycu,re enough . make anyone ir-
And then 1t sight Of her startled.
hurt lace he jumped up and nut
both arms around her, Kissing 81
closed eyes, her trembling hands
with which she tried to cover her
iace. "You mustn't mind M.
y!ec!nnnle-neryous don't msan any.
She slipped out Of his arm. ~
~ right. know you didnE speon
u. III start dinner then
"I'll help"
mo. I'd rather do &c a3one. You
can set the table If you like
(TA n rnnt:~..Al M.-.~A