Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-02-06

made up, she had heart attack that
nearly killed her. So Oswald stayed
at home and studied medicine. but he
has never really got over his disap-
pointment"
Penelope's father brought his hand
down on the table with bang. But
he should have gone at his country's
CALL" and Penelope's eyes flashed.
And have killed his motherY Bruce
asked quietly. For a moment the older
man was silent. and then he said, 1T
was test Of patriotism, but the boy
did the right thing"
Penelope leaned across the table and
asked an eager question, but only her
mother knew Of her real interest and
why her cheeks were pale and her
eyes Swallowed.
"But-but do you know the reason
why Oswald didn't voter she de-
manded
Bruce nodded. Same reason. His
mother insists that he shall vote the
ticket that his father always did. and
his conscience won't let him. He says
conditions are different now. So he
doesn't vote at ALL"
81 think he's somewhat tied to his
mothers apron strings" Penelope's
voice was scornful.
Little sister"-Bruce's steady gaze
made her flush deeply-"if you knew
what Oswald's mother had done for
him. the sacrifices she made that he
might go TO college! She cannot live
many months now, the nurse says, 80
feel that he is right, even II she Is
wrong to demand It,"
And after that Penelope fed to her
room and thought It over. What lit
tie prig she had been to call him a
coward! He was Drawer than-why. he
was the bravest man in the whole
world to face the worlds scorn for his
mcther's sake.
And even as she thought II she re-
solved that she would tell him ut
once. 1t was late, and beneath the
dull gray clouds in the west was the
line of deep orange where the sun had
set.
Far down the street she could see
the light In 0swald's office. and to-
ward that light when she had slipped
on her raincoat and hat she made her
way.
Her timid knock brought her lover
to the door.
"Penelopew he stammered when he
saw her.
"Yes"--she fitted past him and drop
ped into the big chair In front of the
fire-"I've come to make up"
She was smiling up at him. but there
came no answering smile.
~ want you to forgive me-" she fal-
tered.
"For calling me a coward?" There
was bitter note In his voice.
81 understand now that It was be.
cause of your mother that you didn't
CO."
"You had to be told thatf' he asked
sternly. mo belief in me brought
you here until you had proof-oh.
Penelope"
"You should have told me, Oswald"
AFTER your QlStruSt, no.
There was so much Of finality In his
tone that she stood up trembling.
"Then there's nothing else to say"
she murmured and went to the door,
a little forlorn figure in her gray rain
coat and soft felt hat.
Then suddenly she wheeled and
came hack.
Oswald" she said and stood In
front Of him, confessing like child.
II love you. ask you to forgive me-"
He was very white. NO" he said.
"Oh,' she reproached him, "a brave
soldier forgives his enemyw
"You have told me that am not
brave soldier"
"You are the man / want to marry"
she said.
81 amp His lips We're set in grim
line. He came up to her and caught
her hands almost roughly in his
''Then IL you marry me you shall VOW
allegiance to your husband"
"What do you mean?" TREMENDOUSLY.
"Say what tell you" he command
ed. II love you. Oswald. more than
home or friends or country"
And. with white lips, she repeated 1t.
And then he took her in his arms
tenderly. Little girl. little girl" he
whispered. forgive me for hurting
you, but a man has his pride"
81 know" she whispered back. her
eyes shining. "a man has his pride.
especially brave man like you. os-
wald."