Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1908-09-12
Kate caught herself wondering why

Kate caught herself wondering why
Mike Peters had never acquired the
pleasant ways of Rlcard
after awhile he placed big. firm
maud under her chin aud raised her
face so lie could watch its every llnea-
mcnt His dark eyes were luminous
and tender Ills voice was persuasive
us he said something to her. now and
again its tones pleading. and he EN-
phaslaed his words with soft little pats
OH her worm checks
Silently Hates head dropped to his
shoulder. and he held her tightly for
the space of few moments.
Then he took her by the shoulders
gently. He stretched his arms at full
length and held her there. His hand
some face was aglow with exultation.
Kate laughed Historically. She felt
herself helpless In his strong grasp.
and she expected any moment TO be
gathered back with a mighty rush into
his embrace.
Something dark, like great mantle,
iluatcd noisressly IN between them.
shutting each from the others view.
Rlcard caught It aud flung It off.
II whipped back again. swept toward
Kate ana partially enveloped her.
The girl wns frightened and strug-
sical to dlseutanglc herself, Ricard was
helping her when blaze OF light from
IN exploding rocket revealed what they
,,..r., ptttt{,.4r .,uI t.tts,,tft.y ~
II was the trailing end OF n big flag
moved by the shifting breeze
Like one electrified Kate censed her
struggles She snatched wildly ut the
nuttcring bunting and held II captive.
Her face turned like marble. and into
her eyes there came new. strange
expression NJ She stood motlonless. her
white gown cleaning here and there
between the folds OF the flag
As swiftly and silently as tile com
ing OF the colors enlightenment had
descended upon her
Ohlivious TO the presence OF Ricard
and her surroundings she was living
again her commonplace existence Of
the morning She was seeing her home,
with its mean environments. and all
was being borne In on her mind swift
~ and with new significance.
again she saw Torrance saluting the
dag and heard his childish explanation.
cone nation indivislble one nation
indivisible,' repeated itself over and
over Then It seemed to merge into
zone home indivisihlc" and ever In
Tcrrancc's clear boyish voice There
could he no "homc indiylsible" II she
went with Ricard into his enchanted
world. ms he had suggested.
With cry that was half sob she
sank to her knees. burying her face In
he flag
Torrance" she whispered.
Ricard had watched he girl wonder
ingly. Her tears brought him pityingly
10 her side.
Don't Don't do that" he pleaded
;endcrly. attempting to raise her
Kate sprang 10 her feet. shuddering
at his touch. She shook him Off.
lie was perplexed by her action.
You are tired" he ventured and took
her hands In his.
She made no reply Instead she tried
TO free herself Ricnrd aroused and
angry. would not release her.
You shall not shake me of" he said
sternly. You are mine" And he grasp
ed her by the shoulders, hurting her
cruelty.
She did not speak. but met his eyes
unilinchngy. For the space OF few
seconds they thus faced each other He
searched In vain for the light that had
shone In her eyes but few moments
before What he saw instead were