The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-02-11

1 Gale glanced at him anxiously but the glance told her nothing. It was queer he didn't want to read the news. Usually the newspaper was the first thing he called for every evening.
 She went to her own room and changed the mill uniform for a house dress. In the kitchen, in place of the soiled breakfast dishes she expected to find, there was a pile of clean cups and saucers, plates and knives and forks. Every thing had been washed and was waiting to be put away in the cup board.
 Mrs O'Connor!" Gale thought. Bless her! I'll have to find some way to make up for all this"
 She busied herself scraping car rots and chopping cabbage and cutting slices of mush to fry; Phil liked fried mush and 1t didn't cost much. She set the table az. soon as the vegetables were on the stove. Then she made toast and poured steaming hot milk over :t. She set bowl of the milk toast on a tray with cup of tea and | was just ready to take 1t to her father when Phil came in.
 'T'll take It," he offered.
 "oh, thanks, Phil!'
 Gale went about getting the meal on the table and when Phil returned 1t was ready. They sal: down, facing each other, each aware of the vacant place at the foot of the table.
 Phil said, "He seems better to- night. Don't you think SOY"
 "Yes. Only he looks 50 tired"
 "I noticed that" Phil agreed, but he told me he didn't feel tired"
 You know he never admits any thing Is wrong"
 "Yes, that's true" Phil talked of other things theE. Presently he said, You must be all in, Gale, after being up most of last night. I'll wash the dishes"
 There's something I'd rather you'd do," she told him. "Go in and stay with Father. Talk to him or read to him. He's been alone all day, you know. I'm sure he gets lonesome, though he never says anything"
 Phil said, Sure" He said 1t gruffly and little awkwardly, as though he was anxious that no one should guess the current of emo- ton behind the single word.
 A little later he arose and went into the front of the house. Gale gathered up the dishes and put on water the kettle to heat. She was on her way to her fathers room when there was a knock at the door.
 Gale hurried forward and opened the door. She said, Good eve- ming" and then stopped.
 Steve Meyers stood on the threshold. He said, "I hearh youh father was sick. How is he to- night?"
 Better" Gale told him, "but the doctor said he should stay in bed for few days"
 Could 1 see him?" Steve asked.
 "Why, yes, of course"
 He came into the house then. Gale turned and Steve put out q hand, as though to>stop her. He said, Walt q minute, Gale. There's something I want to talk to you about"
 She hesitated, waiting for him to go on.
 ''I didn't mean what 1 said the other night" Steve's voice was self conscious. "I shouldn't have said 1t. You've got a right to talk to anyone you want to. All the right in the world. I--jost wanted yoo to know that's the way 1 feel aboot It."
 Gales eyes were lowered "l said things 1 shouldn't have. too" she told him. "Steve--I wish we could go on being friends again"
 DO you mean that?"
 "Of course l do."
 "Then it's all over,' Steve said eagerly. II mean about these last few days. I've been nearly crazy, Gale. It's the first time we've ever quarreled and it'll be the last. won't be such fool again. Look l brought you something"
 He held out a package, n long white box. Gale took it, looking up In surprise. She united the cord and drew off the cover. There were six pink rosebuds inside the box, lying on a bed of green.
 "Oh, Steve!" she exclaimed, you shouldn't--!"
 T thought you'd like them"
 q do like them--they're lovely, Steve! But you shouldn't have don't It., you shouldn't have boen so extravagant!"
 She lifted the roses and held them in her arms. The perfume of the flowers filled the room and their warm color seemed to bring flush to the girls checks.
 "There're not much," Steve gaij. Not as pretty as you are. Gale. Not nearly. You ought to have flowers all the time. I wish could buy them for you" She was smiling and yet, just for moment, he thought there a2t.. A. A.. Nna