The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1935-03-15

ana a huge box of spring flowers. Just
IKE FORREST to 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 a tiny mustache
SINCE she had last seen him, and she
saw at once that it was darkened ar
tllcially. An emerald pin flashed in his
Tie: he gave her an enormous hug.
Nellie, you're looking fine. How's
John? Where's Rita? Hello, Rod-did
Ina Gomez" He wanted to know every
Inlng at once. When he went in to
see daddy he broke down and cried.
Fooo turned away, irritated. In the
MIDST OF it Rita came home from
school. Forrest dried his tears with a
green linen handkerchief. "Ah! here's
the girl I wanted to see," he cried out,
kissing Rita.
Mot so loud" said Rod.
why not?" asked Forrest. 1.-THE old
mar wouldn't want any l%achrymoso
%doloroso!"
Doesn't look WE'LL" muttered Rod.
MY error" Forrest made a sweep
ing bow And the feud was on.
After lunch Rita went back to school
n Forrest dried the dishes for Mel
lie, Which was nice of him-if only he'd
De more reserved. Then they all sat in
the dining O 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 Rita's good
marks in school and John Cooper's
wage cut. Forrest told how he had been
working with a Boston stock company
until eight weeks ago, but just now he
mad no engagements temporary lull.
lie said he intended to have his own
STOCK company sometime, perhaps his
own theater, like Jessie Bonstelle. Rod
1ldgeted in his chair while Forrest
talked.
After a while Ina and her headache
came downstairs. Her headache was
better. Nellie's needle snapped and
flashed. The only n at ease was Rita.
Her eyes sparkled as she said, ooh,
Ia Just love to see you act, Uncle For
rest"
lyon 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 a couple of business let
tiers, 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.
suddenly from above came the sound
of a piano.
Listen to that!" Rod threw down
his pen.
Right in the very room with your
father, too" added Ina piously.
@ o
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
ly smiling. Forrest was playing the
Merry Wives of Windsor" playing it
well, marking the quick changes of key
with subtle shades of mood. Like a
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, Forrest! How can you?" Nellie
%reproached him.
Rita came over to Nellie, But,
mother, I know Daddy Belts would
like 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, 1T doesn't show proper respect
for the dead"
Its my monument to daddy" For
rest explained. II haven't the money
for marble and granite"
Rod jerked his head toward Forrest
and addressed the woman. HE always
was a damn fool"
II beg pardon!" Forrest rose de-
l~iberately. II didn't quite catch that
Boys, stop! You can't quarrel here
Nellie herded them into the hall. "You
know how daddy wanted us to be
friends"
I'm friends" Forrest maintained
Nobody answered him.
They went back downstairs. Roc
scratched away angrily at his letters
Forrest strolled about with his hands
n his pockets. Ina took it upon herself
to set the table, while Rita, with
troubled face, helped her mother gel
supper.
When at last they gathered in un-
willing intimacy around the suppe,
table, Rod began to talk directly tc
Nellie, ignoring Forrest. He said that
his new building contract would keel
his nose to the grindstone for severa
years, after which he and Ina cugh,
to be on easy street. Nellie could hardly
keep from screaming.