Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1948-12-24

Color came back to his cheeks and
there was new spring in his step.
In the evenings he cut down the
time he spent in reading detective
stories. He made it point to ask
Emma if there was anything around
the house that needed repairing.
If there was, he fixed it quickly and
efficiently. Before he retired for the
night he laid out his clothing for
the next day, selecting his apparel
with unusual care. At the office he
worked conscientiously and took
pains to turn out more than was
expected. His boss soon took notice
of this and limited that Walter could
soon look forward to a mice little
raise"
One Sunday morning Walter woke
up with the satisfying realization
that he had, indeed, transformed
himself into new man." He arose
and dressed rapidly but with care.
He displayed pardonable pride as
he looked at himself in the mirror.
Today would be the day. He'd have
that talk with Emma. She'd have
nothing to say. No excuses. She
wouldn't be able to find a thing
wrong with him in return. He bus
led himself in the living room while
Emma prepared breakfast. While
he tidied his desk and bookcase,
he thought of what he would say.
When his wife called breakfast,
Walter" he felt that his speech
was all prepared. He politely pulled
out her chair at the table. Then
he sat down himself. I'll wait, he
thought, until we're almost through
with the meal.
1t took Walter only a few mouth
fuls to realize that this was quite a
breakfast. Golden brown wafles,
light and fluffy with plenty of maple
syrup. The chilled orange juice was
served in sparkling clean glass.
Delicious sausage patties were also
on his plate. And that toast! Done
to delicate brown. What sort of
magic was this?
He glanced at Emma, then back
at the tastefully prepared food and
back to Emma again. Her hair was
gracefully arranged. Her face was
Immediately clean and just the
right amount of makeup brought
out the natural beauty that Walter
had almost forgotten was there.
She was wearing a neat housedress
and she appeared decidedly Slim
mer.
He finished breakfast in silence.
He was wide eyed with amazement.
Forgotten was his speech, his
'heart-to-heart" talk.
After only one cup of coffee, he
went hastily upstairs to the bed
room. He must have time to thlnk.
What had caused this change in
Emma? 1t must have been gradual.
He sat on the edge of the bed and
stared at the walls. Something was
missing. For an instant he couldn't
figure it out. Then he knew. The
paintings. They were gone. And
there was no trace of the brushes
or the easel. Not even a paint can.
He couldn't stand it any longer
Down the stairs he raced. Emma
was in the kitchen, washing dishes.
Emma" he said. 81 must talk with
you"
She looked up and smiled. what
is it, Walter?"
He gulped and blurted out, I've
got confession to make Emma"
And he told her. The whole story.
When he was done, his wife was
silent for a long minute. Then she
spoke.
Walter, dear, when you started
to make yourself over few weeks
ago, l began to take stock of my
self. And decided that there were
many things that should be changed
for the better. 1t hasn't been easy
but I've enjoyed every minute of
it, especially when realized you
weren't noticing because you were
SO intent on yourself"
Walter CROPPED for chair and sat
down heavily. He was still in a
pleasant state of bewilderment.
"Oh, Walter" said Emma, lone
thing more. I've given up my hob
by of oil painting. I'd like to do
some reading. Could you recon-
mend a good detective story for
me?"