The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-07-31

Ally yOu AoAhy
 But Nancy is pretty, even if is isn't in the pInk-and- white cherub style. And I won't have Jane Terry criticizing her. You think Nancy S pretty-I asked you a while ago, remember? Of course pretty isn't the adjective for her. It's too ob- vious and limited. It's a tinkling sort of word"
 Why Amy, you of all people let a chance remark like that rankle so. Does it matter what Jane thinks?"
 "Oh no, It doesn't, of course. Not really. But if anyone had told you Howard was plain little hoy would you have been pleased
 "Fd have been as made as hops.
 "There-you see? And even II it wasn't any question of exposing Nancy to lanes comments, l wouldn't have you go anywhere else for Christmas for the world"
 There was such earnestness and sincerity in her voice that Mary Jackson smiled with qualification. Its very sweet to nave you say that. But truthful, 1t doesn't mat ter so vitally to me to spend the time with Howard as 1t does you. Ever since he's been grown I've trained myself to be contented just to know that he's we'll and happy somewhere, even when he's not with me. It saves such a lot of emotional wear and tear on both of us."
 Amy shook her head doubtfully. T don't believe I'll ever feel that way about my son." she said.
 If she had not had so many things to do Amy could hardly have existed through the last weeks before Howard came. To everything else she added the mak- ing of two new frocks for herself. but at this her mother took a firm stand. I'll give them to you for Christmas gift" she said. provided that you don't set a single stitch in them yourself. l mean it, not one stitch"
 So that matter was settled, but it did mean visits to the dress maker for fittings. Both dresses were blue, one very dark and the other the shade of Chinese Coolie cotton, bright, yet soft.
 Her beauty bloomed in expect ance. Sometimes Mary Jackson Nand her mother spoke of it. There was something beyond reality in it.. Her eyes did not see them but only her great happiness, her mouth was curved and red and soft, her skin was translucently fair. She was luminous, radiant. waiting. In the very last days she did not talk very much. She was with Howard as he took his way toward her. She knew the hour when he started, the moment of each stop, just where his train would be every mile of the way.
 He would come in the evening. She made a last turn of the house. drew the blinds, lit the lights and looked about her approvingly. The room had order and color and warmth and comfort, There were wreaths in the windows and gar land over the mantel, Professor Ellert had sent her a box of wine- roses and she had cut off the dead branches of the magnolia tree in the garden to burn in the hearth fire for their good smell. Howard s books waited staidly on their shelves, his copper smoking tray was on the table by his chair. It was almost as if he were there. And then. miracle, he was there! Tall and strong. cold from the keen winter outside but with liv- ing and hearty cold that is akin to heat. dropping his cap, his gloves on the floor. smothering her against his greatcoat, holding her. saying her name-"Amy, Amy Amy-Amy!" telling her all that she needed to know in that one word.
 "Oh, but let me look at you!' she said, drawing away little, but holding him tight. Why. I do believe you've grown! And what a proud, elegant uniform'' And the wings! Oh Howard = you're | grand,"
 He could say nothing but her name. and he had tears in his eyes like a child wanting consola- tion. Finally he stammered: "It was too long. felt as if all this