The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-02-20
Small Town Girl


 Kny did not announce her home ecnIne in advance. Once her deci- sion vas made, there wae no time x1f d letter, and nothing tO be said fn a letter that could not be better nid firnt hand. She left no letter Of farewell for Bob.
 1t vas impossible even to write without gelf-betrayal.
 ghe took the train to Dexter. The Better trains ran to NewheId, and m motor bus service would bring her Co Carvel from either town; but # she went home by way of Newlield, the bus must pass through NaEvel village to reach Cap'n Somes' place, and she dreaded the recogni- tons she must face, the specula- bson her arrival must provoke.
 60 she chose to come by way of Dexter: end for the last hour of khe nofthward ride, while the Weare meandered in wide easy curves within sight of the train, she filled her eyes with the familiar eont0ueB of the hills, and the pleas- ant green of the bright country side.
 When she alighted at Dexter, she met no one whom she knew. Even the driver of the bus was Q young nsaE she had never seen before. 1t was, she reflected, more than kWo years since she went away, and many things might in the interval have changed. Yet she smiled faint " at the thought. Carvel did not change.
 The bus rocketed along the wind ing road, lurching around the curves; and suddenly she saw her home, half hidden by encircling trees, ahead. Her eyes filled blind- fngly: but as the bus slowed to drop her ct her own gate, her heart leaped with thrilling and in- credible happiness; and she alight- sd smiling. She almost ran arcoss the wide lawn to the side door: and a moment later, weeping like Q child, she was in her mothers arms.
 Kay had an hour alone with her mother, for Will Brannan would not come from the store till supper time, and Emily was of course at her home. taking care of the baby, preparing supper for George.
 For few minutes after her ar- rival. Kay was full of questions. Her father? He was well, her mother said. "But he's growing older" Mrs. Brannan explained. T expect you will see 2 great change in him. You mustn't let him see, if you're shocked. He doesn't realize it himself. Kay"
 "of course" Kay assured her. @And Emily's flne?"
 Fine" Mrs. Brannan agreed. @Ehe's going to have another baby" you know"
 Kay cried: "She is? I didn't kr.0w! She hasn't told me. I'll bet George is proud!"
 George is Q good man., Mrs. Grammar said gently. He is doing well, Kayl"
 And Kay asked about other townsfolk. Mrs. Grammar patiently told her all the news. Nancy Towne had come home from Holyoke with. out finishing her course there. Il think she found 1t hard to keep up with her studies" Mrs. Grammar explained. "Nancy was always Q iittle-vinstable. People seem to think she will marry Ethan Frame" Ste Clemons, sine said, had left the Post once and gone to Concord as assistant ct the State Library. A political appointment. Lillian Rad- ford was still teaching in the Car va schools. "6he says she's stopped struggling." Mrs. Brannan added, with . little chuckle of mirth. "Lil- Hans c nice girl. Lots Of run. Emily's very fond of her" Chuck Webster's filling station had be- come c garage and then an agency for one of the lowpriced cars. and iie was prospering. Ned Pastor was back in charge of the Power Plant He was not very well, had had a nervous breakdown. He and George were good friends, and Ned saw Q good real of George and Emily. Charley Radford's shingle mill had burned down, and Charley was dead.
 How is Elmer?" Kay prompted, smiling at many memories.
 He's still working for the Com pany," Mrs. Brannan replied. "YouTl find him changed, too"
 She asked Kay no questions at all: til her long reticence began to be conspicuous and disquieting, and Kay said at last ruefully.
 T expect you're wondering how l happen to burst in on you without any warning or anything
 Mrs. Grammar smiled. T never quarrel with good luck, KAy," she said, with as much affection as she was ever likely to show. I'm too glad to have you here. afraid If l touch you, you'll vanish again. We've missed youl"
 T know" Kay assented. She said thoughtfully: T should have come home when left college. This is the place for me"
 "Piaces don't matter so much" Mrs. Grammar suggested. "It's what people do in them"
 i've done some wild things" Kay admitted, laughing q little reckless ly. T might as well tell all about iti"
 Don't tell me anything you shouldn't" Mrs. Brannan advised. She hegitated for Q moment, then said wisely: T expect there is trouble between you and Bob. But Kay, it's c mistake to tell your family about quarrels with your husband. You forgive him, by and by; but they never do, and 1t makes for friction later on
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