The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-06-13
CHAPTER XII

mere was sound OI music ana a smell of earthly spring but the music was discordant and the spring was too long dead, and it was stark, desolate visitation, tra- gic and pale and fading for all time.
 Helen no more! It was fare well. The past was dead life went on. He was willing to face the decision. Life laid down a challenge and rendered him a job to do, and he could do, at least, his best. He could speak of love again. To the riddle of existence there was plausible if still in- adequate answer. He could do his best.
 The rest was up to life.
 The marriage was a neat little bombshell in the two families and in the neighborhood. It was per- haps the easier launched for that very reason. One clean cut and the past was severed, and no one to question or bid them pause.
 Terry telephoned her folks that first day. On the second day she called on them. There was a long interview, the details of which she kept entirely to herself afterward, but she walked out of the house dedantly and proudly and a bit shakily, resolutely piling number of personal belongings into a taxi cab, and asserting by her air and every gesture the independence chn r1nccncccI ood Iafa imitation to keep it. Her visit was never returned.
 Joe called on his mother when he knew she would be alone. She received him calmly To his sur- prise, she was fully aware. He demanded who had told her.
 '"rhe newspapers, she replied. i've watched the lists of marriage licenses issued lately; your name was there this morning. When you didn't come home, there was only one thing likely. Besides, one look at your face now and I'd know all I needed. I know you too well, son."
 He grunted and paused. When she did not continue he said, "Well?"
 She smiled and came and put a hand on his shoulder. Lots of luck, Joe a power of luck! You didn't ask for my opinion, so III be Sparing with it now. I hope ycull be happy, and if there's anything can do for either of you, yOu need only tell me-"
 Thanks" he said. You can call on us."
 "IIl do that first thing She paused and said, Do draw the line at the in-laWs?"
 "It's already drawn"
 "We'll get along" she told him.
 
 When you are poor and not af- flicted with the touchy arrogance of false pride, life is often lovely in it's sheer simplicity, and it is always, barring sickness ar deprivation, fair ly comfortable. Terry and Joe were one day single and unattached, and the next, married householders; and the neighborhood, after the first look of surprise, beamed and ac- cepted the fact complacently.
 They took up their jobs again, both of them. They had talk about that, and Terry concluded to keep on working. There isn't enough here to keep me busy, darling, and my money we can put in the bank without touching it. l, never had any of it before"
 T can make enough money" he said doubtfully, reserving agree ment.
 well need all we can get later"
 What for?"
 She laughed and said, "Oh, you can't tell what might happen She blushed, who was always so bland, and tossed his hair. "I love you so much. I can't be trusted. I might want to have a baby. One exactly like you"
 He laughed and sat her forth with on his lap. She suddenly grew solemn. Maybe you'll un- derstand why I want very much to go back to work? People II poor people like use who get mar ried at City Hall . well, other people sometimes talk"
 His mouth hardened instantly, They'd better not talk so any body can hear!"
 But I've been hearing talk all my life" she said with a shade of weariness in the one. T want to stop it right now at the start. I want us to be married