Montana oil and mining journal., 1935-08-31

said, because he couldn't keep his MIND
on L. Something about the climate. Ia
said, made II 50 he couldn't concentrate
Mabel had been here ten days now
Benny had gone back 70 school and she
mad found an adequate Gullah nllrse
Lor the baby. Nothing more dramatic
nao occurred since her arrival at Sha-
COW Rock. o, yes. and there had beer
the Literary guild tea. An elderly
nerce Mrs. Belruse-or was It Mrs
belhop-had called and insisted that
Tea and civic duty were SYNONYMOUS
Ihe Billingses must come with five dol
lars for a fund. SO they went expert
mentally to eat cake and meet grand
mothers, who spent a lot Of time telling
why they didn't like Anthony Ad-
verse"
Then. to add insult to duIlness. a
mean faced. prettyish woman came IN
with her spirit broken husband. She
was Just in time 10 stop the minutes OF
the meeting by inquiring what has
your treasurer done with the Sz29"
She went on, accusing theft, her voice
squirting acid while her husband winc-
ed That's Mrs. Charley Bryne, {"
Scourge." Mabel could readily under
stand that and she enjoyed the ScourRe
as a comic bit. Mabel welcomed any
amusement nowadays: this tea was
the only social contact she and Clyde
had made, as team, at Shadow Rock
Mabel was confused, but not entirely
discontented. 1t was nice TO relax, walk
among the pluny pines, play croquet
read trash in the evening. She thought
that Clyde's two weeks from her had
improved him; yes, he was more at
tractive. She liked his new line Of
small talk and stories about the hunt
ing set. They made her laugh, rather
sometimes.
She was wondering, wondering about
Rock. What had become Of
Sally Fitch, whom Clyde had written
home about? Where was Hilda Ogle-
thorpe, Clyde's generous hostess? Or
fair haired Katherine Bolt, or vivaciOus
Sue Blaney? Where were the rest OF
the young married crowd who dined
and danced and hunted In the fabulous
Land Of Joy gilded by Clydes excited
pen2
Certainly they knew she was here.
Frequently, when she and Clyde were
strolling by the main highway, he'd
wave iauntily to a passing sports model
and explain, There's Hilda," or 'NThe
blonde ones Katherine Bolt" These
we're wistful explanations; but Mabel,
being a wise woman, refrained from
probing too deeply into his mood. But
she was female, too, and could not re-
strain her cusiosity forever.
Honey, we ought to do something
about these people?"
do what2" She was glad it was COM
ng at last.
Il don't know. It's queer, the way
.heyve dropped US"
Poor lambi" She laughed outright.
They haven't dropped me. They've
never picked me up"
"They Just don't know how sweet you
ire" he said, fondling her. IF they |
got one look at you they'd follow you
% the death"
''rhey don't seem to get near enough |
O feel my glamoF," said Mabel.
II don't understand it." he unused. |
OF course, If you were a great anna
eur poisoner like Mrs. Bryne."
Mrs. who2"
'Mrs. Charley Bryne. Remember the
me who gassed the literary tea the /
,ther day? Real society won't ask her
Inywhere because she's haywire. Gets
ealous, bites her hostess and takes
marley home when the orchestra
tarts. But you, darlingl The minute
Ou B5b lllDU bAAdb GiDWQ tAtc WoIACA WILL
make q pal Of you"
20. yeah?" This from Mabel, who was
eldom coarse.
what do you mean, %, yeah?'"
''IIisten, precious" Smiling Ike Q
siaconda, she ran her fingers through
is thick brown hair. You don't know
ow attractive this-this vacation from
le-has made you"
ssBut what did do TO queer myself
Tith that gang2 can't remember get
ng tight and throwing plates or pull
~ off my hostess slippers"
I'm what's queering you, Clyde" she
aid dispassiOnately
eYou?" Incredulously.
TN place like this wives are drug
q the market. But thereu never be
len enough to go around. And q man
) stunning as you are, Clyde-na-
rally they'll about pull you TO pieces.
ecause, without me you're an extra"
kindly hesitation.
"Say itl" he invited bitterly. "An
gtra man."
'sDon't look that way. Lots Of men
ay single for that very reason. Look
the prince of Wales. He'd be moth
g but royalty If he had wife tagging
ong. But in female community like
lis"
'sThey give me a pain in the neck"
ITO Be continued)