The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-04


 I Look, Emersons are waving. Every one is so happy"
 So they came home with Thayer driving and Moya turned toward the two on the rear seat, talking and laughing.
 It took only few moments to reach the house. Now, Thayer thought as they pulled up and were joined by the Judson Kittridges whose car was already parked. Now she and Brock would have a chance to be alone. Then as, a slowly moving little group, they came through the big front door panic suddenly raced through her and she knew that she was frightened.
 Inside the house they all paused while Emma came from the kitchen, crying and laughing into her apron, trying to keep her eyes from the pinned-up trouser leg, the effort only calling attention to 1t the more. But you're home!" The spoken end of an u1uttered thought, then sobs getting the better of her laughter.
 "All right now, Emma" Mrs. Kittridge taking over. We'll want diner early; it's been a long day for my son."
 T guess I am - tired, Nom" |" Brooks voice tight with strain.
 Thayer slipped her hand into his, feeling 1t like ice, knowing her own was little warmer. You can rest before dinner" she said.
 Then, as if on cue, all eyes com. ing into focus on one thing-that long winding flight of polished steps leading to the second floor. A sort of horror gripping Thayer. If all of them stood there, helping, pulling at him, shaming him. .
 She said clearly, quietly, T think you can manage best with out help, Brock, just taking your own time." For an instant his eyes turned to her.
 Mrs. Kittridge's voice was not raised but Thayer heard thunder in 1t. She. looked, not at her daugh- ter-in-law but at Judson Kittridge. T talked to pr. Pelham, Judson, at great length. He feels 1t would be an unnecessary hazard for Brock to attempt the stairs just yet. Mo-" she continued as Brock made a move to speak, and her eyes were full of tenderness, Mother knows best. Thayer knows I'm right, don't you, Thayer? All of us have one thought-what is good for you, Brock She smiled Serenely into the stunned silence, avoiding Hil- dreth's hardening face and Thayer's blank astonishment. T had Emma dust the little room at the end of the hall which was Grandfather S.. We put some things in 1t to make 1t more comfortable. Darling boy, you do look tired Now you must rest before dinner, for we're having everything you like best,'
 Hildreth spoke before anyone else could. Well, we're running along. Can we drop you somewhere, Moya?"
 T have my car, thank, you, but I must run" Moya said sweetly. I'm meeting Julie at the club. Grand Knowing you're back, Brock .'
 Well, let's not stand here," Hil- dreth said tartly and with brisk ness herded her husband and Moya out of the house before her.
 It was very quiet in the big hall- way. Watch out for this small rug, Brock" said Mrs. Kittridge and the three of them moved toward the room at the end of the hall
 Thayer had to relinquish Brooks hand so he could manipulate the crutches. She walked beside him, inwardly tensing for what she felt was coming.
 Mrs. Kittridge threw open the door. A shaft of sunlight fell on the coverlet of the single bed. Be- side the bed large chair and otto- man crowded chest of drawers and a desk. Beyond the bed a door opened to terrace and the garden Here we are," said Mrs. Kittridge and woul dhave gone in, but Thayer was before .Ier.
 T will help him." Thayer said evenly, If he needs any help
 Like two opposing forces the girls eyes and those of her mother-in law met in combat. For the space of seconds only they stood thus, the will of one at grips with the will of the other, but to Thayer 1t seemed the clash of their struggle must be audible.
 Then. moving to avoid his wife, Brock bumped awkwardly into the doorjamb and caught himself with difficulty. Dislike leaped at Thayer from his mothers eyes. Help him, then" Mrs. Kittridge said, very low, and Thayer felt her face flame as if 1t had been slapped.
 Rn- ID