Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1935-03-09

I and huge box Of spring flcwers. just
like Forrest "a bring more flowers than
anyone else. He was wearing q light
colored polo coat and no hat. Nellie
thought his curling. black hair was too
long, he had acquired q tiny mustache
since she hma last seen him. and she
saw at once that II was darkened ar
tificially. An emerald pin flashed IN his
tie. He gave her an enormous hug.
Nellie. you're looking fine. How's
John? Where's RitaS Hello, ROd-tiid
Ina Gomez" He wanted TO know every
thing ct once. When he went IN 70
see daddy he broke down and cried.
Rod turned away, irritated. In the
midst OF It Rita came home from
school. Forrest dried his tears with a
green linen handkerchief. "Ahl here's
the girl wanted to see" he cried out,
kissing Rita.
Not so loud" said Rod.
Why not2" asked Forrest. The old
man wouldn't want any lachrymosO
dolorosoiH
Doesn't look well" muttered Rod.
My error" Forrest made a sweep
ing bow. And the feud was on.
After lunch Rita went back to school
and Forrest dried the dishes for Mel
lie, which was nice Of him-f only he'd
be more reserved. Then they all sat In
the dining room and received callers.
Between calls they visited. and Nellie
mended her wardrobe. Rod talked
about the subdivision contract he had
just landed. Nellie spoke Of Ritais good
marks IN school and John Cooper's
wage cut. Forrest told how he had been
working with Boston stock company
until eight weeks ago, but just now he
had no engagement temporary lull.
He said he intended to have his own
stock company sometime, perhaps his
own theater, like Jessie BOnstelle. Rod
fidgeted in his chair while Forrest
talked.
After q while Ina and her headache
came downstairs. Her headache was
better. Nellies needle snapped and
flashed. The only one at ease was Rita.
Her eyes sparkled as she said, "Oh.
I'd just love to see you act, Uncle For
rest"
''Yon might be disappointed" laughed
Forrest.
John Cooper came downstairs ready
to go to work. He didn't say much. In
the company Of his wife's brothers he
was always more clam-like than usual.
Nellie fixed his early supper and put
up his lunch. AS soon as he was gone
she came back to her sewing. Rod said
he must write couple of business let
ters, and Nellie told him to use the
desk in the corner.
The sense Of disharmony deepened.
Rita left the room quietly and went
upstairs. Presently Forrest followed her.
from above came the sound
Of piano.
Listen to thatl" Rod threw down
his pen.
Fright in the very room with your
father, too" added Ina piously.
8 @
Nellie hurried up the stairs, Rod and
Ina close behind. At the parlor door |
they stopped. The light from the street |
outside revealed Forrest at the piano |
Over near Daddy Belts sat Rita, quiet |
" smiling. Forrest was playing the |
Merry Wives Of Windsor" playing 1t /
well, marking the quick changes Of key
with subtle shades Of mood. Like
handful Of gay ribbons flung out, the
phrases Of the melody darted and
Topped and doubled through the room
whats all this about?" broke in
Rod.
Forrest finished the movement he
was playing and looked up pleasantly
I was just playing for daddy"
"Oh, FORESTS How can your" Nellie
him.
Rita came over to Nellie. 'But,
mother, I know Daddy Belts would
ike it. You know how he loved to hear
Uncle Forrest play. And that was the
piece he always asked for"
Hush, child" said Nellie. And Ina
added, TT doesn't show proper respect
or the dead"
IT'S my monument to daddy" For
est explained. Il haven't the money
or marble and granite"
Rod jerked his head toward Forrest.
md addressed the woman. HE always
vas a damn fool"
II beg pardonl" Forrest rose de-
iberately. II didn't quite catch that.
Boys, stopl You can't quarrel here"
1elHe herded them into the hall. You
now how daddy wanted us to be
riends."
I'm friends" Forrest maintained.
Nobody answered him.
They went back downstairs Rod
cratched away angrily at his letters.
forrest strolled about with his hands
n his pockets. Ina took 1t upon herself
0 set the table, while Rita, with
roubled face, helped her mother get
upper.
When at last they gathered in UNI
Killing intimacy around the supper
able, Rod began to talk directly TO
EeIlie. ignoring Forrest. he said that
is new building contract would keep
is nose to the grindstone for several
ears, after which he and Ina ought
D be on easy street. Nellie could hardly
eep from screaming.