The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-12-21
All the Brave Plans BY Charles j. McGudrk

and wife. Bred in him was the belief
that man was the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
WIDER; women the cherished guardian
OF the home, mother Of his children.
He seemed incapable of realizing that
the modern world had come far from
the primitive, that the woman, no
longer a mother, might find the domes-
tic routine barren-bitter. i
Stupid, she explained him to herself,
and laughed at the explanation. She
had once thought him that when they
first met, before she learned that the
appearance of stupiditv was Tony's pro-
tective %coloration. Not so much stupid
as set in his ways.
He sat in a deep chair under a light
idly cutting the pages of a new book,
seemingly oblivious to her presence. He
thrust the paper knife between two
pages, slit slowly. Spoke.
Matter, Mara. Why don't you tell
me? Might help"
"Matter?" she echoed, startled. why,
there's nothing the matter, Tony.
Why?"
He thrust the book and the paper
knife on the table. Glanced keenly at
her. Then stared beyond her.
"You look tagged. Washed out. Eyes
Cutlery. Too much Culbertson and
concentration. Look here. How'd you
like a trip? Florida. California. France.
You need a rest.
mo-" she denied. "I'm a little tired
tonight. I'm sorry, Tony"
NNTOkls-- - " o~,rry 0INr I1iC
gaze came back to her and went away
again. you're tired all the time since
-" She knew he was thinking of the
child. IT 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 or jumpy," he said with an
irrevelance she knew from experience
was leading toward some definite point.
Had a chance to buy you a new saddle
horse today. Couldn't make up my
:, mind. Got to plan things. Mara, why
! don't 20 uplan any more? Used to plan
:, all the time"
r What is there to plan for now?' 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 it against
6 his hand.
"Well," he grumbled, "you ought to
, be planning. Great planner like you
Know what I've been thinking? Think
' ing about changing some of my ideas
Too old fashioned. About women, fol-
instance. Wives. Know that one about
! a wife's place being in the home? Don't
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
h Mara? Advertising executive. Planning
g things. Talking to a man about vol
today. Came in to see me. Said yot
were the best in the field. First ovel
the Jumps with ideas" His gaze cam
n back to her and held her startled eyes
Man named Woodson. Daniel Wood
son. Gruff old boy. Nice. Head Of
G firm"
TONY! He wrote me a letter. H
wants me to come back and help hin
launch a new campaign"
Eyes. Told me he had. Said it wouls
pep you up. Renew your interest u
life. Might. May be the change yo'
= need"
" She stared at him, incredulous.
20, Tony!!" she breathed. "Wouldn'
you mind? You are old fashioned. Yol
see, I know your views"
> Probably WILL" he confessed, an,
~ grinned. "Bit of a wretch. I am lathe
hidebound. But you aren't happy. Wan
you to be. Might give it a try"
She realized the magnitude Of hi
gift. He was not only scrapping al
age-old viewpoint, but was facing tn
- consequences. Haverhil would talk be
hind its hand at the bridge tables, a
= the country club. She could hear then
1.-THE Battles are breaking up. 4e:
She has gone back to business. To
bad. Such a charming couple. Still
her backgrounds"
y She got up and went to him and sill
~ into his chair.
'" "Darling!" she said. I know exactl
what this means to you. You are
gallant gentleman, Tony Baille. An
this is a great favor. I am deeply i
your debt. I'll repay you . Couldn
I make some small payment now?'
Eyes. Hope you keep on riding wit
me mornings. Hate to ride alone. N
. fun"
"Of course I will, Tony, you silly DO,
I wouldn't miss those rides. I Low
% them"
III. Good" said Tony, and pulled he
e down so that he could look into he
eyes under their dropping lids. TT
- backing you, Mara. And all the bray
plans"
i, Her arms went around him. Tighter
ed.
(To Be Continued)