Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1939-06-24

evidently taking the masters coming
as a happy surprise. While David was
talking male matters with Pete. the
BOAT and the pump. Della intimated TO
anne that she was not TO worry about
the dinner. Her nod said trust her for
proper feast.
Anne could not say then that the
master was not staying. She must 90
out 70 the kitchen after David left
and tell them. At the thought OF their
incredulity and their grief her cour-
age nearly broke down With all her
sick heart she wished that she had
not made David come. II was a crazy
hope that had driven her TO inflict
this torture on them both.
David and Pete went up TO the
pump house while the water was boil
ing so she had time TO get herself
IN control again. David came back
with blown hair and blackened hands.
his spirit hghtened by dealing with
simple mechanical troubles, and ran
upstairs TO brush up II was so like
all their summers.
Anne felt that any moment the
nightmare would break and she would
find David sleeping happily within
reach OF her hand. She even touched
the hot kettle. to awaken herself.
Then, accepting everything, she vowed
that this last tea together should be
something to remember warmly. No
more bitter realitiesl When he came
down she was kneeling on the hearth
rug, toasting bread on a long fork
They had always made their toast 4
that way when the weather allowed a
fire.
Pete can fix It. I have shown him
just what to do" David said, pulling
up his chair and taking the fork from
her. You won't have any more bother
with It," Then he saw what he had
said. but Anne, pouring tea, did not
seem to notice.
With Della such marvel OF course
Pete has to be rather dumb" she said
amusedly. 1T is the way things are
evened up. The last time Ted adver- Z
tised for couple he insisted on put
ting in, one of them must be sober"
did 1t work2" David asked. glad
to follow her lead 4.
oh yes A grand couple came.
rocking with laughter over the Joke.
They win stay for life"
She had really funny tales Of their
struggles with service on the two
ranches. She had always loved rousing
The sudden shout Of David's laughter.
He had been rather a sober person
until her fun had released and charmed
him. That other girls had found him :
very good to look at had only bored J
him until there was Anne.
And she had exciting things to tell
him: the time the Jersey bull got out
md stood paving up the driveway,
challenge, like a monster out
Il the Old Testament, the spring flood !
hat carried away a chicken house and 2
threatened the stables.
we all take part In everything"
he explained. Life Is not divided Up IL
S 1t Is here-you go to business and
go TO concert. held a sick calls y
lead while Ted dosed tt brought r
4 eggs In my hat When a neighbor
OF on fire, the whole countryside went
yer TO help fight 1t. You would love -
hat life, David. You would be fixing
ne pump every dayl"
His dark eyes had a somber glow.
know. Bodily work and animals and
always wanted that.
,emember how we used TO talk our
arm? But you wouldn't have liked It.
nne. You like social things"
She stretched her arms up over her
cad, gesture of utter WEAKNESS. "Oh,
ever again this wayl Not any more.
ord, If ever have to 90 to another
)cktal party Out there we do IL In
big wayne have horse shows, races,
now and then we drive 20
80 miles to a dinner. And in be-
Teen we read and listen TO radio
tisic, and play contract II four peo-
e can stay awake. kept thinking
w 1t would suit you and how stupid