The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-01

Spring had indeed come to tht valley, and to the blue-green hills Connie knew that in no other spo in the world could it have awaken. ed more beautifully. She knew tha this, his own beloved country, wa! where Bret would come. Hadn't ht said that no matter how far ht roamed, always he must return here And she had wondered if Bret! country might come to have tht same influence over her.
 She knew now, back in the ole brick house with it's ivy covered walls and stately elms, that thi! had come to pass; she would fine peace here. Whether she agair found happiness would depend up. on Bret, and Bret alone.
 Mrs. Parsons and Eloise hac welcomed her as though she hac come "home", as indeed she fell she had. What was more rare and understanding, they had wei. comed her without natural, they seemed to say and the sleepy little town and the valley with its haze of tender green and it. guarding sentiments of high hills al seemed to say it, too - that sht should return to them. She knew now that no matter how far sht should roam, she, too, could come back to this serene haven to bt born anew.
 Connie helped Eloise and hel mother about the big house, open ing shutters, airing the high-ceil. inged rooms; she dug in the gar den, looSening the hard earth fol young seeds that soon would point tiny green sprouts towards the sun. She helped in the huge Kitchen, learned to bake biscuits and corn bread almost as gooc Aunt Berthas";; she took long trampS over Bret's bridge, up in- to the hills. The days were full to overf1owing, though they were time of waiting. And then one day the waiting was ended; Con- nie went to the door to open it tc ma Bret standing there.
 Her heart skipped a beat, turned over, stood still. But her smile was steady and unsurprised, her eyes direct and unwavering.
 Hello" she said, as thougt they had parted but yesterday, in stead of weeks ago, and in friend Illness, instead of in anger anc hatred. Won't you come in Bret?" She held wide the door.
 He said, What are you doins here?" That tiny line was etched about his mouth; dark flush un. deg his skin; his eyes wer, guarded, somber. Perhaps the, could not believe what they saw this girl in a simple blue frock hair blowing and curling about he lace, blue eyes clear and untrou bled and serene.
 You didn't expect to find me?' she asked. It seemed to her hs should have know she would bt waiting here.
 Hardly" His laugh was harsh T supposed you were sailine somewhere on azure seas. Witt Rodney Brandon. Why didn't yor go with hin?"
 'I1l tell you why" Connie an. swered quietly. But I can't tel you here. Aren't you coming in Bret? Or no wait! Will yol walk with me-up our hill?"
 T didn't suppose you remem. bered that we had had hill" ht said gruffly. There was no yield. ing in his dark eyes. T can't set whats the use of your telling me after all. suppose you simply changed your mind again - on an. other impulse. AS you probably will do time and again without end"
 You hate me, don't you, Bret?' Her voice was soft, but her lips quivered. Not that I blame you I deserved that. I deserve any, thing you care to say to me, ol think against me. But, please - ii I fetch my wrap, before you come in, will you walk up the hill?"
 "As you like His manner said that 1t did not matter. He would remain as he was; stoic, i'm personal, defenses furled.
 She caught up an old sweater pulled it on. closed the door behind her. Without saying anything more they fell into step side by side. They walked in silence, but with their ac- customed swinging rhythm, fol Comics step matched his long stride
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