Evening star., 1939-05-14

d plIlh-IIlCChCu DlOIlO idIC dllu SoiOCH
curls that brought quick memory of
her dead daughter-ln-law
why, he's been crying" she said,
kissing the tear stained little face.
Britt made no response. Carrying
the baby as if he were a sack of flour,
he stalked back to the door.
They had got Charles out of his
coat and cap and onto her bed to finish
his nap, and Britt had retreated to
that sanctuary of silent men - the
shelter of newspaper - when with
out warning the knocker fell again.
This time it was Sally. Twice Sally,
as it were, for Sidney was with her
Sally's face expressed as much sur
prise as Britt S had when the opening
door revealed a small, grayhaired
woman. older by three years than at
their last meeting, but apparently
healthy and almost ecstatically happy.
But the reflection of Sally's face that
was her twins showed only the proper
shade of delight For Sidney, after his
apprenticeship to his art. could look
exactly as he was supposed to look in
almost any emergency. Too much
overcome for words, the mother
gathered her twins into her arms.
They clung to her. both talking at
once, as they had always done.
"Surpriser' said Sally, thinking
that it was just that. on both sides. II
didn't tell you Sid was coming. too"
She found her breath and her voice,
and laughed. 1--WE got real surprise
for both of you. Wait till you see itr'
She led them into the living room
where Britt stood, smiling half
heartedly. among the scattered papers.
Thereafter, for some minutes. they
made the usual inane comments and
asked the usual stupid questions char
acteristic of excited and newly re-
united families. When the younger
members looked at each other, puzzled
questioning came into their eyes. But
Mary Jane was too happy to observe
this. She was almost too happy and
excited to remember the dinner, cook
ing itself on the kitchen range. When
she did remember. and got out to
look at it. Britt said, "Well?"
II don't know any more than you
do" Sidney told him. Anyway. I'm
glad we came. We should have come
before this, with no urging
Maybe" Britt suggested, the
doctor told Old Lady Pettigrew some
thing he wouldn't tell her"
Even if he's told her, trust her not
to tell us" Sally said.
Gloom and momentary silence fell
upon them. They all heard faint.
frightened wall from above stairs.
Il suppose that's Charles" Britt
said. "See what he's up to, Sally
He doesn't know me-"
He doesn't know me-" Britt said,
and when his brother and sister stared
at him. uncomprehending, he added
bitterly, Hes the image of Ann.
haven't been able to bring myself to
seeing much of him. He was under the
care of nurse at baby's hospital
until he was a year old. Then l put
him in a good school,
Sally had risen to 60 upstairs. She
stood with her hand on the back OF her
chair. and another small. bewildered
cry foated down from upstairs. Sally
was young, and youth is often too
greatly swept by righteous Indignation
to feel compassion. She looked with
scornful eyes upon her brothers
panied face. you selfish coward! she
said clearly and distinctly - and left.
Sally had way with children. Her
smile won Charles at sight. She took
him to the bathroom and washed his
dusty, tear -smeared face and combed
his hair. She explained that he was at
Grandma's house. and that Papa was