The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1940-08-31

the afternoon as he was passing
the hotel. His nerves tingled. She
had come to town to stay with the
Taylors. Her soddy would be COM
pleted Monday and she would move
IN.
Might be a long time again be-
fore you'll see me- she told Mark
jokingly, as he stopped, apparently
casually, to talk with her and
the Taylors.
Doesn't that call for some sort
Of celebration, then" Mark asked,
instantly seizing his opportunity.
There's dance here tonight over
the store. I'd like very much to take
you-that if, If it's all right with
the Taylors."
Mark marveled afterward that he
was able to say all this so quickly
when his heart seemed to pound
till it hurt. He had wanted to call
her Carrie" too, but somehow he
couldn't quite bring himself to it.
"All right with u.s." Mrs. Taylor
raised her brows. wouldn't be all
right with us if you didn't" She
WlllhSO dU GO, WIZ PlOAlpGAy IC-
minded his wife the Taylors were
going to the dance, too, if Mrs. Tay-
lor could scare up q clean shirt"
somewhere for him.
Carrie and the Taylors were ready
and waiting at Sioux Springs House
when Mark came for them. Carrie
wore the saome white dress she had
on that first day Mark saw her.
Looking at her, Mark was speeches.
for minute. You sure look nice"
he told her, awkwardly.
The Taylors had put on their
Sunday clothes and they looked
little like the homesteaderS who
had come to town earlier that day.
Marks vest, white boiled shirt and
gray suit had wright as great a
change.
Carrie was happier than he had
ever seen her as they walked down
Main Street to the dance hall over
Bill Williams general store. Togeth-
er they made striking picture
Mark, tall, imposing, handsome;
Carrie on his arm, gay, laughing,
bonneted head held high. Intuitive-
ly, denim-clad homesteaders and
booted freighters reached respect
fully for their hats as the couple
passed, gathered in curious little
knots in their wake.
The party was well under way
when Mark led the way up an out
side stairs to the low-ceilinged
dance hall. A solitary fiddle whined
above the din of dancing and con-
versation. Mark recognized the
Arkansas Traveller"
The small room was hot, crowd
ed. Lanky, awkward young sod
dies" lined the dance floor, packed
to overlooking. Carrie saw quickly
the men outnumbered the women
three to one, felt every eye upon
her.
They swung out into the jotstling,
milling crowd, Carrie in Marks
arms-for the first time. 1t was un-
believably thrilling.
Mark" Carrie smiled up into
his face, 81 hope we get along bet
ter than some the couples I see
here tonight" She tossed her head
indicating a bewhiskered freighter
who was stomping about the floor
pumping his partners arm for dear
life. And there were more like him.
They laughed together. The noise
grew louder and louder, they moved
faster and faster, humping, showing,
twisting, lodging Never had Car
RE attended a dance like this and
yet. never had she been happier.
They came back to the TaylorS
breathless, Carrie flushed, wilted;
Mark perspiring, more handsome,
Carrie thought, than ever.
We'll" doomed Ed Taylor, "guess
it's safe for us to tackle, now that
you and Mark got out alive" and
added, but don't think, Mark
Deuel.. you're gonna have all them
dances to yourself" He winked