Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1938-12-17

except the old neighbor whose well
come had held surprise and resigna-
ton, but no warmth. This afternoon
Mollie would visit the graves Of her
father and mother in Spring Grove
cemetery. After that, what would she
do? And why hadn't she thought out
her plans to the end instead Of regard
ing her arrival at Haynes Center as
the end?
Her old mid-Victorian home was
comfortable enough. The caretaker had
been true to her trust. The house was
clean and well aired. 1t was heated by
a good furnace and already, by Mollie's
orders, there were fires in the big fire.
places in the "parlor" and dining room.
Standing at her window Mollie was
getting a charming view Of snow
covered fences, buildings and high
way, and of the old white church just
across the village square against
background Of snow-capped hihS.
It all looked exactly like the Christ
mas cards Billy Bliss had been sending
her regularly for 10 years. Like the
one she had received from him two
days ago, coming at just the moment
it did, crystallized her vague home
sickness into a sudden decision to come
home. She wondered Billy Bliss cards
had all come from Haynes Center, so
Billy must still live here. No doubt he
was married now and had five or SIX
children Mollie's regrets grew
sharper.
There were neighbors in a few Of
the houses across that facing square
who might be glad to see her. Mollie
wasn't even sure of that Most OF her
schoolmateS had married and left the
town, or had gone to Boston or New
York as teachers, nurses, or secretaries.
She couldn't think Of anyone still LETT
in Haynes Center that she really cared
to see or who would care to see her.
SO many changes came in 10 years.
She had heard Of a lot Of deaths
Even her old house was rather a
disappointment. Mollie couldn't pic
tllre these formal rooms filled with
the family and friends of her child
hood. She had kept the house as a
matter of sentiment-but no one bene-
fitted by it except Anne Quirk, the
caretaker.
AS if the thought had been an inyo-
cation, Anne Quirk appeared at the
you expectin' dinner here?" she
asked. IF you be. better go upstreet
an git somethin'."
Mollie looked at her wrist watch.
Half past one. She had breakfasted
on the plane, on coffee, orange juice
and a roll
ayes, III want some lunch" she
agreed. Eggs and bacon and coffee
viii do You'd better lay in some sup
plies, though. I'll be here till tomorrow,
anyway"
"You goin' to have supper here to-
night?" Anne's voice came from Hima-
layan heights. She had received the
telegram announcing Mollie's arrival
only an hour before Mollie herself had
appeared. It was not Anne's idea OF
the right way to do things.
eyes, II you can manage It. Buy
some cold meats and a salad and a
couple Of pies. may want TO ask some
one In to supper II see anyone
know when 90 out this afternoon. Is
George Clark still running his 1000
shop2 His things used TO be so good.
'sYes1m. He'll have pies an cold ham
an beef"
Anne's voice was warmer. If she
could buy food the outlook was not so
strenuous. And IN this impressive
young stranger she had begun to recog-
nize the outlines Of a lanky child she
had known IS years ago.
sect what looks best" Molhe SAID
indifferently-"get anything you Ike.
She took q $40 banimote from her
handbag and Anne accepted 1t with
nod.
While she was gone Mollie roamed
around the old parlor. Everything In II