Evening star., 1937-12-19

front steps again, WIN utte Nancy
clinging to his hand The four dogs
welcomed him into the house with
an abandon that brought lump into
his throat
The Christmas Tree! The fragrant
green fir dominated the room, reflect
ing the glow of the freight a thousand
fold in its glittering decorations. The
rich oriental rugs, the book-lined
walls, the colorful warmth of pictures
were only background.
Merry Christmas, Dad! Merry
Christmas"
DO you mind if we rush you?"
Barbara asked. We'll try to contain
ourselves until you clean up, but the
children are simply bursting to open
their gifts"
Bruce was glad to escape. He needed
to get hold of himself His first elation
had vanished and he was gripped with
unspeakable misery. That Christmas
tree! Why should one get so damned
sentimental over things? Memories of
other Christmases clutched at him -
his own father and mother taking
gifts from laden boughs - Barbara
and himself and wide-eyed children.
He showered and rubbed his weary
body. The thought of the letter
haunted him. Elizabeth should have
had it five days ago. 1t had probably
been delayed in the rush of Christmas
mail and might still turn up. He'd
have to watch for it. If she should open
such a thing today - after his pre-
tense E.! The thought sickened him.
Resolutely he tried to play the
joyous father. exclaiming over the
lavish gifts heaped upon him, respond
ing to the children's wild enthusiasm
over his gifts to them. 1t was difficult
to meet Barbara's eyes as she slipped
into the costly evening wrap he had
brought from Paris. She smiled ra-
diantly at him, but her lips trembled.
1T hurts - it's so beautiful she said.
Somehow Bruce got through the
afternoon. Friends came and went,
welcoming him with delight. How
does it feel to be an international
celebrity?" they asked. 'How do you
like the motion-picture versions of
your books?" "How did you enjoy
being lionized by the most beautiful
woman in Europe?
But brief respite came in the early
evening when Bruce excused himself
while the Others were engaged with
neighbors. I'm going out for breath
of air." he said.
He shut the door on the protesting
setter. He needed to be absolutely
alone. In the soft dusk the outdoor
Christmas trees burst into multi
colored bloom. Joy and laughter from
the homes seemed TO overflow their
thresholds, until the very air was
holiday in spirit. Bitterly Bruce won
dered how many of these families were
as insecure in their happiness as his.
Hi, Dad! Wait minuter' Long
legged Alan bounded down the steps.
Mind if l walk along? It's great to
have you home again. We sure missed
you when we cruised around the San
Juans last summer. You know - that
time l wrote you -"
Bruce made answers in places SEEM
ing to demand them. His tongue
apparently functioned independently.
He was amazed presently to hear HIM
self talking earnestly to his son.
MY sort of work will always take
me away, Alan. A writer has to gather
material and color If if any,
thing should ever happen to me, take
my place to the best of your ability.
I'm proud of you, Son. You can be an
example to Bill. And a wonderful help
to your mother. Promise me you'll
stand by her - always. There is no
one - finer - than your mother"
Il know that, Dad But don't talk
about dying. Nobody could ever take
your place Our famiiy's always been
Il l~v