Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 44: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

.34 the solitary life. And all this he believed ~ and expressed without trace of rancor. Naturally of such a man she had no fear. Discovering his comparative youth, she had been shocked. But there was nothing about Dean’s appearance at variance with his expressed ideal. Not until this moment. And _ now, assuredly, he snows both. alarm and a menacing anger. Dean gave no answer to her comment upon the shape of the cabin. She found other things to talk about, and saw with relief that his strange mood passed. They returned to the cabin, where Marta took charge of the breakfast dishes. Dean she permitted to help in a humble capacity. She had superabundant energy and a real delight in housework. There was a novelty -about it, and. Marta Kree became very womanly. Possibly it was an interest in her approaching marriage that turned her ’ thoughts to such duties. Evidently she en- joyed herself. Dean found her finally in the middle of the large room, a rag in one hand and an eager light in her eye. ‘What a really beautiful room,” she began softly. ‘It’s honest, not pretending to be something it isn’t, and that’s the best part of it. Floor, walls, roof, and furnish- ings, it’s harmonious.” é “You’re the first person to se¢ it. I’m glad you like it Miss Kree. I like it—” *“ But it has a flaw—” Ce Ah?” -- “Ves, a bad flaw.” She frowned im- patiently. ‘“ Dust!”’ “‘Isn’t dust the privilege of a philoso- pher?” ‘“‘T should say it was the laboratory ma- terial of your philosophy. It is made of dust—not life.”’ ‘I’m sorry you can’t approve my notion of living—” ‘““T think it is wicked!” Marta Kree’s black eyes snapped. The color rose in her cheeks. Her vehemence stirred Dean’s curiosity. “Oh, come, Miss Kree! Not so bad as that!”’ “Yes, wicked. You would destroy all THE ARGOSY. civilization, all progress. You’d take away from us all the helpful things humanity has gained by cooperation. Take your own case. You were given talents. You can do things with your hands—and write things. You have many gifts. Is it right . to keep them to yourself? Is it right and fair to let God’s gifts rust én idleness!” There was an answering sparkle in Dean’s eyes. He began to enjoy his un- invited guest. ‘Is the diamond any less beautiful because it lies forgotten in the clay and not on velvet in a jeweler’s show-case?” he retorted eagerly. ‘‘ For the ‘talents God has given me, I thank God. They bring employment to my brain and hands and give me happiness. Isn’t that enough?” ‘“‘ Admitting your .ideas are right, should you not be willing, at least, to make others happier by telling them? Haven’t you a sense of duty—”’ ‘““Ha! Then I’d be a reformer, not a philosopher, Miss Kree.” Dean chuckled in triumph. He chuckled again as her lips formed the indignant comment: ‘“‘ Wicked.” Then, generous in his triumph, he added: “But follow your own bent. If it makes you happier, why—dust.” “I shall. I’m going to indulge myself while I may. This place gets a thorough housecleaning.’’ “* Then, if youll excuse me and Fang for a time?” At the door Dean turned back with a new look on his face. ‘‘ Oh,” he said, and there was warning in his voice. ‘““In your enthusiasm, Miss Kree, will you please be very careful of that big Navaho rug on the wall? I would not like that disturbed.”’ Marta promised, wondering at -his ear- nestness. Marta Kree cleaned house in high spirits. As she worked she sang softly, and with all her perfections it must be told that she could not “carry” an air. She had no memory for music, so that what she sang was rather tuneless and a little ridiculous, but somehow it endeared her to those who knew her. | Piece by piece, she moved Dean’s home- made furniture, stopping often to admire ~ -— ~ Gomme HOA peli