The San Francisco call., 1904-02-21


a little time Of waiting
waiting for what!
He drew a step nearer, and his voice
became very gentle. Cummings ana
reach our regiment tomorrow night
and there in the camp is a group OF men
on the way to the war, and they all go
the mere bravely because each one OF
them has you in his heart-nOt one but
will be a better soldier because OF you
1 want you to believe that II all OF theh
don't come back. yet the one whose
safety you think Of and fear Tor VIII re-
turn. For, you see, Crailey tGid me
what you said to him when-when ne
met you here the last time L have no
way 10 know which Of them you meant;
but-he will come back TO you! 1 am
sure of it, because believe you are TO
be happy. All, you've had your allot-
ment Of painl After all, there is so 1T
tie to regret; the town seems empty
without it's young men, yet you may re-
jOice. remembering how bravely they
went and how gayly. They will sing
half the way to Vera Cruz! You think
it strange 1 should say there Is so lit
tie to regret, when I've just laid away
my best friend. 1t was his own doc
trine, and the selfish personal grief and
soreness grows less when think or the
gallant end he made, for it was he VINO
went away most bravely and jauntily
of all. Crailey was no failure, unless L
let what he taught me go to no effect
And be sure he would have told you
what 1 tell you. now, that all is well
with all in the world"
''Pleasei" she cried, with a quick in
take of breath through closed teeth.
I will do anything in the world to
please you," he answered, sOrrOwfully.
DO you mean that"
She turned at last and faced him. but
without lifting her eyes. Why did you
come to say good-by to me?"
Il don't understand"
Il think you do" Her voice was cold
and steady. but it was suddenly given
to him to perceive that she was trem-
bling from head to heel.
An exclamation Of remOrse broke
from him.
"Ah, You came here to be alone. l."
STOP she said. You said goOd-by
to me once before. Did you come to
see-what you saw then?"
He fell back in utter amazement, but
she advanced upon him swiftly. WAS
it that?" she cried.
The unfortunate young man could
make no reply. and remained unable TO
defend himself from her inexpIicable
attack.
You have not forgotten" she went
on, impetuously. 1T was in the crowd.
just before they gave you the flag. You
saw know you saw-and it killed me
with the shame of it, Now you come TO
me to look at the same thing again
and the boat waiting for you. Is it in
revenge for that night at the Ba-
reauds? Perhaps this sounds wild 10
you'll can't help that-but why should
you try TO make it harder for me?''
From the porch came a strong voice:
"Vanreveli"
God knows / haven't meant TO-"
said Tom, in bitter pain. L don't un-
derstand. It's Cummings calling for
me: III go at once. I'd hoped, stupid
ly enough. that you would tell me
whom it was you meant when you
spoke to Crailey, so that 1 could help
TO make it surer that he's come back to
you. But I've only annoyed you. And
you were here-away from the house
avoiding me. and fearing that T.
"Vaurevel!" shouted William. (AIrs.
Tanberry had not told Lieutenant
Cummings where to find Miss Betty)
Fearing? Yes?"
Fearing that I might discover you
He let his eyes rest on her loveliness
once more. and as he saw that she still
trembled, he extended his hand toward
her in a gesture of infinite gentleness,
like a blessing, heaved one great sigh,
and, with head erect and body straight,
set his face manfully toward the house.
He had taken three strides when his
heart stopped beating at an ineffable
touch on his sleeve. For, with a sharp
cry, she sprang to him; and then, once
more, among the lilac bushes where he
had caught the white kitten, his hand
was seized and held between two small
palms, and the eyes Of Miss Betty Ca
rewe looked into the very soul Of him.
"No." she cried. NO. Fearing with
a sick heart that you might not comet
Her pale face, misty with sweetness,
wavered before him in the dusk, and he
lifted his shaking hand to his forehead: :
her own went with it, and the touch OF
that steadied him.
You mean, ne whispered, brokenly,
you mean that you"
Yes, always" she answered, rush.
ing through the words, half in tears.
There was a little time when loved
what your life had been more than you
All. it was you that 1 saw in him. Yet
it was not what you had done after all,
but just youl knew there could not be
anyone else-though thought 1t could
never be you-that night, just before
they gave the flag
We've little time, Vanrevell'' called
the voice from the porch.
Toms eyes filed slowly. He raised
them and looked at the newly come
stars. 'Crailey, Crailey!" he mur-
INJURED.
Her gaze followed his. All, it's he
and they-that make me know you will
come back to me-" she said.
THE END.