Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-07-03
NURSE MARIE.

her own, "but father is getting old and it
takes him longer to make the trip nova
days; then Cell is older, too"
Another thought flashed through the
blinking heat: and am older tool"
With sigh she turned back toward the
house, still mlasing. They had brought him in
terribly, wounded on the Sd of July and the
naext day she stood by his cot The hand.
some sufferer of No. 20 seemed sensiby
nearer this evening; her heart gave great
throb and stood still. But, of course, it
could not be, as she did not even know his
name and he had not obtained hers. He
simply knew her as Nurse Marie" and she
knew him as mo. 90"
Nevertheless, she gave him her heart when
he looked up, his splendid eyes full of agony
racking his poor wounded body, and in a
pleading voice said pray that may live
for mothers sake!"
And, with the noise of battle in their ears
his hand sought hers, and two prayers as
cended as one.
But old Cell had logged around the drive
to the dining-room entrance, and her father
was full of the plans for the morrow my!
Sara" he said to the mother, who was look
ing after the unloaded parcels, We're going
to have Fourth without parallel in this
neck O. the woods. The Union City band
has come after ALL and, as 1 am on the com
mittee of entertainment, I'll skirmish
down to the depot and get one of EN- for the
night. It's all right, isn't it, Sara?"
20, yes, yes" answeNd she, glad for an
opportunity to get in word. "Did you get
any lettersf"
"No, not this time" he replied, as he
turned old Cells head toward the country
depot and left mother and daughter looking
proudly after "one of the committee"
"No letters" OF course not Marie ex-
pected him to say just what he did.
Thoughtfully she began the preparation Of
extras for tea.
Well, she was glad of one thing, that it
was stranger this time, and for once she
would not have to entertain that detestable
Harvey Nellis. Father and mother had a
tender chord in their hearts that young Mel
lis thrummed on considerably, and the mu-
sic was meant for her, but there was no
room for another; the inner sanctuary was
occupied and no one else ever would be ad-
mitted.
"Mariel" called her mother from the hall
way, where she stood talking with neigh
Dor, Mrs. Bates has another of her bad
spells with her heart and wants you to come
over for awhile. I guess you would better
go; l can manage"
Eyes, mother" answered Marie, putting
down the eggs she was beating for custard
and taking off the big Bingham apron. ri
will come in minute"
All the way to the Bates homestead Marie
thanked kind Providence for the break in
the long, trying afternoon, even though
Auntie Bates had to suffer for it.
The new moon stood like a sword on the
crest of the dark woods as the girl opened
the hall door a. home, and looked back at 1t
over her right shoulder for luck
II am glad this day is done, at any rate"
she said, turning the key in its place. The
old-fashioned clock struck ten as Marie
came into the stting-room.
Pussy Muggins stretched her two white
feet across the one faint ray of the setting
moon on the window seat, and meowed a
soft rhythmic welcome to her mistress.
I've notion to be cross" cogitated
Marie; but there's no one to be cross to;
they've all gone to bed, haven't they?"
smoothing Muggins' furry coat. Going over
to the mantel she CROPPED along its length for
the matches. Finally she struck light.
There in corner stood cornet, bright
silver instrument, with band book beside
1T and some other paraphernalia of the pro-
fession. Curiously she went over to the
shining object, lamp in hand, and Muggns
joined the inspecting party with important
air. On the back of the band book she
read: ~. II. Merrill, lst cornet, Union City
band"
Well, what of it? 1t was nothing to her
whether j. II. Merrill was first or second
cornet, or whether he played with the Union
City band or not. She doubtless would hear
him discourse tomorrow; that would be suf-
acient.
Muggins purred an assent, and went back
to her fayorite window-seat, and Marie
yawned and went slowly upstairs to bed
Marie" said her mother the next morn
snA ~ they we're busy preparing the early