Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1934-12-15
AL the Brave Plans By Charles }. Mec.srt

and wife. Bred in him was the belie
that man was the warrior hunter pro
wider; women the cherished guardial
Of the home. mother Of his children
he seemed incapable Of realizing tha
the modern world had come far iron
the primitive. that the woman, N
longer q mother might find the domes
tic routine barren--bitter.
Stupid, she explained him 20 herself
and laughed at the explanation SIT
had once thought him that when thel
first met. before she learned that TIA
appearance OF gtuniditv was Tonv's nro-
tective celebration. Not 50 much stupit
as set IN his ways.
He sat IN a deep chair under a light
idly cutting the pages OF q new book
seemingly oblivious to her presence he
thrust the paper knife between two
pages, slit slowly. Spoke.
Matter. Mara. Why don't you tel
me7 Might help"
MATTER" she echoed, startled why
there's nothing the matter, Tony
why7"
He thrust the book and the paper
knife on the table. Glanced keenIy at
her Then stared beyond her.
you look tagged. Washed out. Eyes
Cutlery. Too much Culbertson and
concentration. Look here. How'd you
like trip? Florida. California. France.
You need a rest.
mo-" she denied. I'm q little tired
tonight. I'm sorry, Tony
Nothing to be sorry about" His
gaze came back TO her and went away
again. You're tired all the time since
-" She knew he was thinking Of the
child. Il mean I think Haverhill's on
your nerves. Haverhill and housekeep-
ing"
But it isn't, Tony. It isn't that"
Things are quiet In the street.
Either quiet OF jumpy," he said with an
irTevelance she knew from experience
was leading toward some definite point.
Had a chance to buy You new saddle
horse today. Couldn't make up my
mind. Got to plan things. Mara, why
don't 20 uplan any more2 Used 10 plan
all the time"
what is there to plan for now77 she
asked bitterly. And, meeting his eyes.
children die There can't be any more
children, Tony"
His eyes filled with sympathy, fell
away from hers. he picked up the pap
er knife and started patting 1t against
his hand.
Well" he grumbled, you ought TO
be planning. Great planner like you.
Know what I've been thinking7 Think
ing about changing some OF my ideas. |
Too old fashioned. About women, for
instance. Wives. Know that one about |
q wife's place being in the homer Don't 1
believe it. Not in these modern times.
We're too long a way from the prim-
tive.
Take you. Pretty busy woman be-
fore we were married, weren't you.
Mara2 Advertising executive. Planning
things. Talking to q man about you
soday. Came In to see me. Said you
we're the best In the field. First over
he jumps with ideas" His gaze came
back TO her and held her startled eyes.
Man named Woodson. Daniel Wood
Ion. Gruff old boy. Nice. Head Of q
,irm."
'sTonyl He wrote me letter. He
wants me TO come back and help him
aunch new campaign"
Eyes. Told me he had. Said It would
Yep you up. Renew your interest In
lie. Might. May be the change you
reed"
She stared at him, incredulous.
20, Tony" she breathed. Wouldn't
Iou mind? You are old fashioned. You
ee, know your views"
.t.1ss - /.
rinned. "Bit Of wretch. am rather
idebound. But you aren't happy. Want
on TO be. Might give It try"
She realized the magnitude Of his
lit. He was not only scrapping an
ge-old viewpoint, but was facing the
Haverhin would talk be-
ind its hand at the bridge tables, at
be country club. She could hear them.
The Battles are breaking up. Yes.
he has gone back to business. Too
ad. Such a charming couple. Stin,
er ackground-1
She got UP and went to him and slid
ITO his chair.
"Darlingl" she said. know exactly
hat this means TO you. You are q
allant gentleman, Tony BaiIle. And
lis is great favor. I ana deeply IN
Dur debt III repay you Couldn't
make some small payment now?
Yes Hope you keep on riding with
e mornings. Hate to ride alone. No
a."
-Of course win, Tony. you silly boy.
wouldn't miss those rides. love
lem."
Good" said Tony, and pulled her
,wn SO that he could look into her
'es under their dropping lids. ~I,m
lcking you, Mara. And all the brave
ans
Her arms went around him. Tighten
CTo Be Continued