The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-09-10
CHAPTER IxE

selns 70 me, AAldreo saio,
 her voice crisp but her eyes kind, that the mistake you all make Is in skirting the subject of Brooks injury or refusing to mention 1t at all. Brooks future must be lived face to face with the fact that hen never nave another natural leg, and pretend Ing the situation doesn't exist won't clear 1t ups I've talked to 'Dr. Lacey - he's worth six of Hem " Pelham no matter what Co- rinne thinks - and I asked about cases like Brooks. He said all men go through a bad time at first. but when he gets his artificial leg the time will come when he'll forget for hours and then for days that 1t IS not his own. Eventually he'll make 1t his own.''
 a, If I could make him see that"
 "Try, Thayer. It's Corinne who's your real problem. She's enjoy- ing the situation
 "Enjoying! Aunt Hildredth, she's heart-broken."
 Hildreth shook her head. This Injury brings Brock back to a state of dependence upon her. Thayer, if she has her way she'll keep him like this"
 "oh. Aunt Hildreth, she loves
 "she loves her domination. stated Hildreth dryly, She rose as Thayer did and took the girls hands in hers. T sound like the jealous, childless aunt, but I've a better chance for the long view than you have, my dear. I want to see you happy; believe you love Brock; I know he needs you" She walked to the door to say goodby. "Talk to Brock, Thayer; don't let him shut himself behind that wall" She fixed thought ful gaze on Thayer. Might be a good idea if Corinne went out to- night. Seems as though you young people need an evening to your selves" She winked deliberately as Thayer went down the steps. , co = Aunt Hlldreth had managed. D Thayer, meeting Brooks eyes could not keep twinkle from her own. Somehow dinner was gayer meal than any she remembered.
 Which helped give her the cour- age to talk to Brock as Hildreth had counseiled.
 All during dinner Brock was conscious of the quickened tempo, and conscious each time he looked at her of his pride in Thayer. Donating at the Blood Bank with out a wordl It wasn't quite clear tn Brooks mind but something in the knowledge that both Thayer and he had given their blood in common cause brought them closer. Suddenly he was impa- tient for his mother to be gone, and when at last the front door closed behind her, 1t was his sug- gestion that he and Thayer go out on the terrace. For the first time since his homecoming sine seemed neither distant nor unattainable; for the first time in his awareness of his wife he forgot the crutches beside his chair.
 And then Thayer opened the subject hitherto unmentioned. A chance sentence precipitated it. He said, "Today has gone so slew ly.' He intended to add, because missed you"
 But he had paused. and her voice broke in, grave, intent. as if she spoke of something heavy on her mind which must be said. Brock, all the worst is behind you really. if you can just see It."
 Sure, know. wasn't mean ing to complain. It's just :"
 Brock, when you get your arti- ficial leg 1t will be no time until you learn to use 1t as your own. You'll be. abel to do most of the things you used to do."
 Sure But I haven't got 1t yet, is that it? Was she trying to hold him away from her? Un- willingly his gaze fell to the pinned-up trouser leg and aware ness came sickeningly of the stump it covered. Then bitter ness began to churn in him, be- cause he dared not let her see how much 1t mattered. Who's the pep talk for, Thayer, you or me?" He should have bitten out his tongue before he said that. but