Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-06-11

a home for her Instead of running on
and joining the army as IL he had no
responsibilities at home. Essie bet
ter get used to seeing this new chap
around. Shes got 10 get cufSd of this
gricving business. by George
The large brown fist struck the table
with force that startled the three
women. They watched Mr. Lane
march from the room with angry
strides. and when the door had closed
with an cchoing slam their heads bent
together in whispered consultation.
Memorial day was holiday, and the
Lanes usually spent It with relatives
In an adjoining village. This day was
no exception. and SO II was quite ear
~ In the morning that they drove
away In the comfortable surrey. leav-
ing Robert Munson standing bare
headed by the wide white gate.
Esther had said nothing about going
to the cemetery 10 place flowers on
Roberts grave. She would wait until
their return. and when the crowd had
loft the graveyard she would climb
the hill and place her offering there.
nlonc In the sunset.
When the long day was closing they
came home again. Esther with her
arms full Of white blossoms CLEANED
from her amnt's garden. The new
farm hand had taken advantage Of the
holiday and was nowhere 10 he seen.
SO Farmer Lane put up the horses and
the others went indoors.
"I'll he back presently. mother"
said Esther. tossing her hat on the Ia
BILE and gathering M her flowers. I'm
going TO the cemetery now. Lion
Will come with me-
Every well. dear" said Mrs. Lane.
Esther whistlcd 10 the dog and walk
ed through the orchard 10 the pasture.
Robert Munson was leaning on the
fence. looking nj the reflected lights
on the distant hills.
II am going up on the hill. Robert.
VIII you come along and carry my
fiowers?' asked Esther bravely.
Certainly, Miss Esther" he said
pleasantly. and so together they cross.
cd the pasture and climbed the hill TO
the place where the tall white shaft
made memorial for the fallen soldier
boy All about the base beautiful
flowers were strewn. aud some one
had placed little flag In the green
turf. Robert Mnnson was looking curl
ously Mt the inscription when Esther
gently took the flowers from his grasp
and dropped them on the ground at
his feet. Then she placed her hands
on his shoulders and looked into his
eyes.
Robert. Robert she cried tragical-
~. Don't you know me won't you
ever recognize me again:"
Very tenderly Robert Mnnson took
her cold hands In his warm pacs. and
the firm pressure of his grasp seemed
20 give her waverlng strength more
courage.
Miss Esther" he said gently. whom
do you take me for: Who do you
think ! ann"
You are Robert Webb" she cried
eagerly. "See-this stone was erected
for you. Your father died of u broken
heart when you were killed. and Your
mother went away 10 live with her sis
ter. am here. | have not forgot,en.
See-I have kept your picture all these
years. have worn II always here"
She drew away her hands and pulled
n chain from her neck aud opened
round locket The picture therein was
that OF young man. much Younger
than Robert Munson. and. wviIc there
was resemblance. It might have been
more in expression than IN actual fea.
lures.
You have made Il great mistake.
Miss Esther said Munson at lust. Il
am so sorry. wish knew what 10
say 10 you. suppose you think the
report OF wcbb's death was an error
and that am he. but IL Is not So
He stretched out Il hand TO support
her wavering figure. but she leaned
for support against the white marble.
II have seen service In the Philippines.
uuu uiu KNOW Dbu NtuU IoI " SuuEt
time, and know he was killed. am
sorry TO have TO tell you this. AZ for
myself. wanted season In the coun-
try at hard work TO recover my health.
II IL sheer chance that came TO Little
River and was directed TO your IA
theirs farm. have parents and broth
crs and sisters In Boston--ln fact. am
afraid I can prove only too well that
am not Robert Webb" He looked
down at her with infinite pity In his
fine eyes-a pity that was 50 akin TO
something warmer that she seemed TO
feel II infold her like comforting
garment.
II nm SO sorry ! have annoyed you.
What must you think Of me: You
see Esther broke down and sobbed
bitterly, and Robert AIunson stood be-
side her with friendly hand pressing
her shoulder. II was with his hand
kerchief that Esther wiped away her
tears. while he knclt down and deity
strewed the flowers she had brought
about the foot Of the shaft. Then he
rose TO his tall height and held out his
hand.