The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1898-09-02
sURsUM CORDA!

The ceremonies were over, the fow-
ers were fading. and Decoration Day
was drawing to a close. The crowd
who had thronged the paths OF the
National Cemetery were fast disappear
ing. and the train just leaving the lit
tie station was filled to its utmost ca
pacity.
In one of the cars an elderly man
Of imposing presence. wearing the uni
form and badge OF the Grand Army, and
young army officer, whose face was
a youthful counterpart of the others,
sat side by side.
Just before the train pulled out
woman passed down the aisle The
worn face gave pathetic evidence Of
past beauty, and the rusty garments
Of bygone elegance, while the tiny
empty basket she carried proclaimed
her accomplished errand. She glanced
wistfully from side to side, but every
seat was occupied. The young officer
own.
She gave him grateful glance and
gentle Thank YOU" as she slipped
into the desired haven.
The elder man glanced at her casual
ly, then more intently. anu finally,
leaning toward her, said in low tone,
Laura"
The woman started and half rose
from her seat. John, is 1t really
your" she gasped. They gazed at each
other in silence, shocked at the changes
time had wrought.
Il thought you we're dead-at Will
sons Creek. They told me-"
II left part there" replied the man,
glancing down at his empty sleeve. She
shrank back a little, noticing it for the
first time, and her eyes grew wide and
dark.
ut seems but yesterday" she said;
"the longing and suspense and pain"
And yet you could send me away"
"Ah, was angry! You were on the
wrong side"
THE other SIDE" he corrected her,
with a faint smile. She acknowledged
the correction with smile still faint
er.
1.-The winning side-and my heart
was sore; but thought 1t would break,
afterwards"
Eyes, yes; / know" he sighed.
~ have scattered my roses every
year, thinking that some might fall
on your resting place. In those old
days when life was hard to bear it
eased the pain to think So"
"And now"
"And now" she continued, with
tremulous smile on the faded face that
unconsciously belied her words-"now
the pain and anger are gone, with the
love that gave them birth. There re-
mains only ashes"
Suddenly she leaned forward with
tense features and parted lips. The
aisle. Something in the swinging step,
the carriage of the shoulders, and the
handsome boyish face, stirred her
heart.
Almost home, father" he called
lcheerfully.
There was a trace of awkwardness
and embarrassment In the elder mans
manner as he turned to his compan-
lion. ALLOW me to introduce my-my
son, Lieutenant Keith" He drew him
self up and squared his shoulders, all
embarrassment lost in fatherly pride.
."Jack, Miss Hollywood is very old
friend"
She looked up into the smiling face
bending over her, and her words came
slowly: Il used to know your father
when he was about your age. You
are very like him-very like"
The lights of the city were all
around them, the train was slowing up,
and people were gathering up their
wraps and bundles. Turning to the
elder man with sudden resolution, II
am going back to my old home to-
morrow" she said, lingering on the
words with tender longing TT is not
likely that we shall meet again. Let
me wish you good by now, and God
Dl0SS yOu-anQ yours.
For a moment their hands were
clasped; then she fitted through the
crowd and was lost to sight
"Who is the old party, father?" in
quired the young officer carelessly.
"Old!" He reused himself with
deep sigh. We'll, suppose she is old;
but when knew and-in Kentucky she
was the toast of two counties"
Through the crowded station wo-
man made her way. 1t is wrong,
wicked" she murmured and her eyes
grew dim; "but l Wishes, l almost
wish that he had died instead"
In. L. Pritchard, in Munsey's.