The wageworker. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1904-????, 1910-05-27
One Who
Came
Fl Memorial Day Story
By CLARISSA MACK1E.
1910. by American Press
Association.

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She had been looking for him all
through the warm spring. and now.
late In May. she felt that he must
come. Another week would bring the
Goth Of the month. and Memorial day.
with its tender observance Of all the
beloved dead. would come to crush
down her cherished hope of Roberts
return.
Esther looked wistfully across the
until hillside and pointed cedars were
q dark blur.
When she had wiped them away
some one was coming YEARLY down
the narrow path-some one tall and
thin, dressed In dark clothing. with
gray felt hat on his dropping head.
The man did not lift his eyes from
the ground. but tramped steadily on.
with his gaze fixed on the winding
path under his feet When the path
ceased at the fence he looked up and
saw Esther gazing at him longingly.
lovingly. but there was no recollection
in his glance. merely undisguised won
derment.
Esther's radiant smile faded as she
searched the handsome face for some
sign Of recognition. 1t was Robert
Webb. paler. thinner and curiously
changed In expression, and yet 1t was
Robert. sudden terror filled her
soul.
Robert" she cried softly. don't you
know me?"
He stared curiously at her while a
slow red burned into his thin cheeks.
He lifted the gray hat and showed
dark hair streaked plentifully with
white.
II am afraid you have made mis-
take" he said in a deep. musical voice
that was like Roberts own tones. MY
name is Robert. but l am sure would
have remembered you II we had met
before. I came to see Mr.. Lane.
was directed to take the short cut
across the lots from the station. Is
this his farm?"
Esther shrank back.
ayes. this il Mr.. Lanes farm. You
will find him ut the house or barn.
Take the path through the orchard"
With a murmured word Of thanks
the man replaced his hat. leaped the
fence and disappeared In the gather
ing twilight of the orchard.
When Esther went into the house
her fair hair was wet with dew. but
her eyes were very bright and shining.
In the sitting room they were all,
gathered about the evening lamp. The
light fell ON the red table cover and
was reflected In the comfortable fur
nishings Of the room. Mr.. Lane was
reading the almanac with an interest
quite undated by a long winters
persual Of its closely printed pages
Helen and Agatha were embroidering
They all glanced up as Esther Ell.
tered the room. blinking at the light.
You'll catch your death out In the
dampness. child" demonstrated her
mother as Esther sat down In a low
rocker beside her. We've been wish
ing you'd come In and give us a little
music"
"You promised to practice that duet
with me. Esther" complained Helen.
''1 don't see why you want to run
away every night after supper. You
can't guess what's happened since
you've been gone" she added teasing
~.
The color leaped Into Esther's pale
cheeks. She struggled for moment
with her Quickenlng breath before her
words found utterance. what has
happened. Nelly' she asked. with as
sumed carelessness.
Nothing at ALL" interposed Mrs.
Lane. smiling. except that fathers
tickled to death because he's got some
one to help him all summer"
"Who Is tip asked Esther.
"A man who came here tonight
The station master sent him. knowing
your father was put to 1t for help on
the farm. He's young and willing
though he's little out of health. He's
been soldier. and he wants to have 9
summer farming 1t to get back his
health again."
"And likewise all his pocketbook.
yawned Farmer Lane. stretching him
self luxuriously. II guess we'll re
along as well as may be. He's a fine
pleasant spoken young chap. but he'i
seen n sight Of trouble. l take 1t. Hi
hairs AS white as my own. He's com
ing tomorrow"
what Is his nameY' asked Esthe
In q muffied voice.
Robert Munson. Looks like SOM
one I've seen before. Can't think VIII
Il Is to save my life." said her father
rising and filling his pipe at the, man
telshelf.
With quick movement Esther aros
and was gone from the room.
"Father Lane" exclaimed Agatha i
q stage whisper. ''it's just come to IN
who this man looks like! He look
enough like Robert Webb to be hi
own brother!'
They cast startled glances at one ar
other. II declare II he doesn'tr' gasI
ed Mrs. Lane at last. Il hope Esthe