Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1905-08-19
When the Light
Broke In
By Virginia Leila Wentz

The rusty breasted robins were hop
ping about the lawn. and the crab
apple trees were II splash of pink In
the orchard beyond. Tile narrow beds
| that bordered the paths In Mrs. Orms-
by's garden were gay with tulips and
jonquils. and from the lcaflcss branches
of the wistarla vine hung delicate pur-
plisl clusters OF blossoms. \ flock OF
brown sparrows twittercd In the cherry
trees. u catblrd was IN the hedge over
yonder. and already the wrens were
building Ia the caves of the summer
house.
Somehow the smell OF the sweet
spring air seemed to have awakened
something In Mrs. Ormsby's caller, n
girl OF six and twenty. as she sat on n
rustic chair under the fast silvering
naples. II was o'clock. and becaus
the day was so perfect they were hav-
ing tea served In the garden.
But. Constance, II do not love him
how can I marry him." the girl cried
impulsively.
Mrs. Ormsby waited for her maid TO
deposit Il plate OF thin bread and but
ter. some cream. sliced lemons and
sugar on the little rustic table before
she answered
"Do you remember. Glare. when we
were ut Nine. Martins school-dear
me. it's eight years ago-an old sooth-
saycr foretold that you'd marry mil
lts.s.s t....g q .I..se
Hughes. who can give you houses.
yachts. automobiles. and who. In the
bargain. adores you. Why. to be sure.
Clare. you must marry him. He's a
good man. and love will come later"
The girl made no reply. She was
looking dreamily ut the robins and the
pink orchard beyond. mist In her
lovely eyes.
"Of COURSE" continued Mrs. Ormsby
thoughtfully as she drew the tea. IL
couldn't have married without love my
self. but you see. my dear. Chester
and are so old fashioned anyhow"
Al the mention Of the mans name II
quick wave OF color surgcd over the
girls face and neck and brow. In the
sunlight which came aslant from the
west the gold Of Mrs. Ormsby's we'd
ding ring sc!ntlllated strangely. With
distinct effort Clare withdrew her
gaze from It's flashing.
NO" she said. pulling herself to-
gether. mot lemon. Catherine. Cream.
please"
ITO know what love Is IL u miracle.
though. after all." pursued Mrs. Orms-
by softly as she poured the cream.
why. was just silly girl before
met Chester. Then-llfe became glori-
fled: Il became real.'
The catbird had flown 10 the cherry
trees and had burst out into passion
ate bubble OF song Clarc's eyes sud
denly brimmed with tears. Was II the
birds song or the springs beauty or
her friends voice!
Look here. dear" said her hostess
impulsively. II don't want to force
your confidence. but I'm sure OF one
thing there's been some heart affair
In your life that's hurt deep ana left
you cynical. Tell me about IT, Let's
see II we can't straIghten II out. Oh.
Clare, pride Is well enough-one can
have certain amount Of II and be
none the worse for it-but it's deadly to
make pet Of IT,"
But there's such II thing rs righteous
PRIDE" flashed Clare. She bent her
head and adjusted the emerald fieur-de-
lis at her dainty waist: then. rising. she
held out both hands to Mrs Ormsby
and laughed. II was her habituai
light. pretty laugh.
Il really have to go now. Catherine.
You know told you could only stay
n half hour. But first ! want you to
promise to forget that came perilous-
iy near being sentimental and old fash
Toned. forget that seemed bit sad
Why. I'm quite happy. OH the contra
ry! I'm going to marry Mr.. Stanley
Hughes. My wedding II be n smart af
fair: my gown'll be IA veritable dream.
and my husband II be one Of the most
desirable gentlemen OF the season
Humph. Why shouldn't be happy?"
Don't go just yet" pleaded Mrs.
Ormsby. not needing the badinage. but
looking straight into the girls eyes.
"Chcsier's train Is due now. and he'll
be here any moment. want you to
meet him."
Suddenly. even with the words OF her
friend. an impulse took possession OF
Clare She deliberately seated herself
again.
Catherine" she said whimsicnlly.
my moods changed. I'll stay. and I'll
give you little OF my confidence. II
you care. I did love some one once.
but-hc's married now. II was some
thing like this: Imagine girl who
knew scarcely anything OF the world
Of men or of the things men do TO be
engaged toto man whose name
spelled Paradise 10 her with capital
T.. Imagine friend Of that man aud
OF the girl passing lot OF his time
with them both. Indeed. he CHANGED to
be such stanch friend 10 the girl that
he refused TO permit her TO marry
man not worthy Of her. though the man
had been his bosom pail II that cat