The Negro world., 1900-04-28

A IL. the doors Ia the corridor were
~ still elosed-all except mothers.
She had left hers hjar through the
night, in case Bob. waking, had called
her name. But Bob. had not called; he
slept like top.
Presently the gray dawn grew pink,
and little shafts of light crept through
the Venetian blinds. picking out the
pictures on the walls. the mirror Of the
wardrobe, and the gallant figure Of Bob
himself on the mantelpieee, photo.
graphed in full uniform.
Mothers vigil was ended. She rose
softly. slipped on her dressing gown
and slippers, and stole along the corri-
dor to Bob's room.
Bob lay, six feet OF British manhood,
yellow haired, strnlght.limbed, deep
chcstcd, sound asleep.
The few dreams that had visited him
bad been sweet 70 the heart OF a soldier.
Not shadow Of fear disturbed his
slumbers. lie had been assisting in
killing the enemy by shrapnel. rifle and
bayonet, In thousands. aud now they
lay around him like corn under the
sickle, and bob smiled aud awoke. and
saw his mother standing looking down
upon him. II was no unusual sight 20
see her there's yet to-day something
stirred in his breast. and Bob put up his
arms and drew her head down 10 his
breast.
"My baby--my boyi" mother muir
INJURED. "0h, my darllngi"
Bob bore II with admirable grace. but
he did not like it--not little bit, and
as soon as he could he wriggled himself
free and asked the time.
There was time and TO spare. and
mother said. II he did not mind. she
would like TO read one OF the morning
Psalms 20 him; ltwould comfort him. she
said. And Bob consented like the
gentleman he was. and lay still while
she read. thinking what pretty hair she
hadit fell In long plait right below
her waist, Then she kissed him again,
and went; and when she was quite sure
he could count on isolation bob got up
and wandered among the litter Of uni
form eases and portmanteaus that lay
about the floor. Then he took up his
Glengarry, and, putting IL on, regarded
his reflection In the mirror with com
plaeency. And his pride must be ex-
eused, for he was a newly fledged sub
altern of 20 years, recalled from leave to
join his battalion, which sailed ON the
morrow for the seat of war.
Having adjusted the cap at every con-
eeivable angle, he replaced II and con-
tinued his toilet. His cheeks were per-
fectly innocent of beard. and 20 min
utes saw him fully attired, immaculate
in a brand.new suit, and the stiifest and
highest OF shiny white collars.
just at this moment "A knock came at
the door, and his sister, his junior by
three years. entered the room. Ii was
easy 10 see that she ha6 been weeping,
but Bob expected as much and his
heart did not resent ID. He put his arm
round her waist and kissed her.
Nearly time 10 be Off," he cried.
with almost brutal eheerfulness. and
turned TO strap his portmanteau.
whistling martial ditty.
Nell sat down ON the edge Of the bed
and surveyed the array of baggage with
mixed feelings. She was very proud of
Bob. He was dear hero; but n only
the war were over and he baek again.
crowned with gloryi Other girls
brothers had gone, and-well. she
would not let herself think She wished
she had been kinder to Hob in the days
gone BY. Now the little. unthought.of
omissions would be ghosts to haunt her
conscience tin he was back again. She
would like to have told Bob shr was
sorry, hut she kaew that he would
laugh at her for little goose; and be.
sides il would look as IL she felt this
asindeed good-by; So she choked back
this limp IN her throat and sat with
brave eyes stoically watching Bob, who
stood IN the window examining his re-
solver.
But. strive as she would. she could
not check the thoughts that the sight
brought % her mind. Bob with the re-
solver 10 his hand~yes. but far away
In the midst OF the din and smoke OF
,Asllr, surrounded by the foe; daunt-