The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1944-02-17
CHAPTER VIII


was quite true that many OF the
tasks she had Either perform, or
helped her to perform, would pass
unnoticed and in any case would
not compensate if the dinner fall
ed. "But I do think, Andy,
maintained the clear voice, that
everyone is more at ease in a
house that is clean and in order.
Not stiff, mind you, but llvaoly
neat. It's more a feeling than a
matter of actual vision, or per-
haps it is only that the hostess Is
more relaxed if she knows her
house is clean"
The cash grocery store, Sarah
Daffodil reflected, might lack the
props of the old-time general
store and might operate on a
shorter day, but it's atmosphere,
clientele and social advantages,
with some allowance for general
alterations, remained essentially
unchanged.
Tonight as she waited in the
background of the late shoppers
she saw most of her tenants in
the group pressing purposetully
up against the counters. King
Waters was buying meat, Toni
Fits stood counting oranges into
a bag. Before the dairy counter
Mr.. and Mrs. Peppercorn, Dog
gle tucked securely under the old
mans arm, watched the scales as
the clerk cut a pound of tub but
ter for them.
lawful, trying to get waited
on. isn't it," Toni Fits had spied
Sarah. I'm having Isoup and
orange salad tonight. nothing
else. It's so hard to keep food
from accommodating, but we're 60
ing away for Thanksgiving -
down to Atlantic City. Berts
taking me for a rest" She had
been working day and night, she
asserted, trying to be fair to ev-
cry organization, anxious to do
her best for each. ''And fancy,
they want us to ask some of the
Service men for Thanksgiving
dinner. Selectees from camp. |
simply couldn't undertake anoth-
er thing and Bert put his foot
down."
It's a good story, if one can
imagine Bert Fits putting his
foot down, Sarah reflected.
can't. Hello, Mr.. Waters-you're
luckier than I am, for you're on
your way out"
King Waters removed his nat
smiled mechanically. Thanks
giving rush, I guess. hope you
are planning a pleasant day
Mrs. Daffodil. My wife and I are
dining with an old friend of mine
"a buddy who saw service
abroad with me-"
eyes, I think of good old Bar
rows" King Waters was saying
rows, every time see the wal
briskly. Hes in the Reserve
and likely to be called, if things
get any more serious. l had
lunch with Barrows last week
and he said he didn't know how
the Government could use him
he has fallen arches, sinus troub-
lie, his arteries are in bad shape
and he has been out of active bu-
siness for several years. But he
said to me, King, if Uncle Sam
needs me, if my country calls
I'll 60 I suppose he'll get desk
job in Washington and release a
younger man for field service
The salary" Waters added con-
tenplatively, would be a god
send to him."
She couldn't help wondering,
Sarah murmured knowing that
she had no business to wonder, if
it wasn't a reserve officers pa
triotic duty to keep himself in
good physical shape. He'd be
more of an asset if he were half
way fit"
No one could expect veteran
to be as resilient as a younger
man, Waters reproved. Physical
deterioration wasn't serious
where the mind remained unim-
paired. "Barrows swon't have tc
endure long marches or be I'M
der fire-it's the youngsters turn
to undergo all that. We served
our time at it"
AS she watched him make his
way to the door, Sarah told her
self that she understood how
such complacency drove younger
people to profane and rude re.
torts.
Sarah Daffodi1 considered the
question of waiting on herself tt
save the clerks time, but the
Peppercorns were coming toward