The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-06-05
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you been working tov hard or are you aick2 or just bored2" "Boredl With you heref" "Winter is coming on," Btll said. glanclng through the windows at the gray, murlky sky and the trees dripping raindrops. "You remem- Der what winter Co on Q farm long nights and short days. And with Grandfather ill--I wouldn't blame you # you did feel restless" "But I don't" she interrupted. "And even # l were restless I'm happier here than I've ever been before in my life" Happier than when you set the crowds on their toes with thrills, and all the applause and"
 "Don'tl" She pulled her hands from his, put her arms around his neck and pulled his dark head down until her cheek rested against his. "I've worried about Grandfather, of course, and some. times I'm tired. I'm so inefficient do q lot of unnecessary work, but there isn't anything else, Bill. Honestly there isn't"
 "You aren't sorry you married me 2"
 "what . question: Of course I'm not sorry" She looked at him earnestly. "You don't really think I've every regretted our marriage!"
 He flushed. "Weil, once In q while when I sec you sitting so quiet as though your thoughts were q thousand milos away Two won. dered # the pull of the circus was not tugging at you. I'm jealous of your old life, sweetheart. Might as well confess it. And afraid. Of course to mo you're as lovely in a gingham house dross as you were in all your tine trappings, but don't you ever miss the silk and velvets and tho paint and powder that made you such q bird of paradise 2"
 "Never."
 "And there's none of the old crowd you'd liko to see? No one
 "Blll!" she twinkled at him. "it isn't tho circus you're jealous of, you old edscr! You're jealous be. cause you think maybe there was some other man cared for before I did youl"
 "Admitted, I've wanted to ask you but never had the nerve."
 "t've never asked you about any womon," she said
 "YoN didn't need to. think every girl ever spent haif an hour with has betn rtuek on c pin and put under q microscope for your minute inspection. But you--you've told me 50 much about the circus and your travels but you've never mentioned . single man In whom you might have been interested"
 Because thero wasn't any"
 "Madolinel"
 "it's truo. Men never meant any. thing in my life. Of course, l never knew many outside of the circus. Tho worthwhile ones were mar. ried. The very few who might have cared for me--well, l couldn't see them. Then you came along and sec what you did to mel"
 Most girls of 20 have had love affairs" he said, not quite satisfied.
 For your sake. darling, l wish I could dig up an ex-sweetheart, but 1 couldn't do it and Do truth. full"
 He rubbed his nose against hers with Q playful gesture of affection. Not for my sake, dear. I'm darned glad am the first man in your life. Two . hunch I'd be jealous as sin # l ever thought some other guy had kissed that little red mouth of yours or tangled your curls like this." He suited the ao. ton to the phras6. "Feel equal to getting your old man some break. fast, or must l fend for mysolf2 2"
 She gave him q little shove and scrambled to her feet. Tn spite oG her efforts to hide tho utter fatigue she felt, she swayed . trihe, and | under corrugated brows' the man | who adored her watched her and Thero was no opportu. nity for further questioning, for at that moment Miss Perkins, who had been In Grandfather's room, entered and announced that the old man was awake and asked to sec Bill.
 "Asksd9 You moan he--he Bpoke?"
 She nodded. "He said, vTell Bill [ want him'" \
 Bill went to the sick mans bed. side. "I'm here, Grandpop," ho said. Say, this Is greatl Wo'll soon Do Jumping around like grasshop. DOTS at your command, and the next thing we know you'll be dane. Ing Q hornpipe."
 The old lips parted in a smile, but there was slight negative movement of the white head. No, | Bill" Amos siddal said iaborious. | ly. "No. l reckon. My time-is close at hand. Maybe l ought to put my house In order--be ready when the Lord sends for me-" "That will bo n long time. hope" Bilf said cheerily.
 When you go to town, Bill- ask--Ben Hopkins to come--out, ! ought to mako Q will. Been put. ting it off and-you'll send Ben Hoskins out?
 Sure, f you want me to-"