The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-05-11
The Plain Brother

approaching. The tall. stalwart fell
low vas mis- younger brother James
and his pretty companion was Eva
Littlefield.
Were going beech nutting," called
out Eva, gayly. Don't you want to
Join us?"
Yes, come along, Frank" said his
brother.
But Frank declined, forcing him.
self to add, with smile, that he ex.
pected to be very busy all day.
They went away happily, It seemed
| to him, and he watched them until
the bend of the road hid them from
view. Then he threw himself down
under the tree, and for a few moments
! dry sobs shook his frame. Neither Of
the two who had just left him dreamed
that there was a grief in his heart
which was growing deeper day by day.
he told himself with relief. And he
would always keep it from them.
Frank had known Eva Littlefield
all his life. They had been playmates
as children and had always gone to
the same school. There had never
been time that he had not Worship
ped charming little Eva. They had
been such good comrades until James
had returned from college, Then
everything began to be different. But
It was no great wonder, he would
often tell himself James was a splen-
did looking chap, while he was well
aware that he was plain and awkward.
His brother had been graduated from
college with high honors, while he
had only finished the grammar school.
He had never been clever like James.
All he had been able to do all his life,
he reflected somewhat bitterly, had
been to look after the farm. But his
mother could have told just how much
that had meant to them the last few
years. When things had looked the
darkest and 1t seemed as If the broth
er at college would not be able to
finish, Frank had taken extra work
upon his shoulders. hardly allowing
himself any rest until their bridge of
difficulty had been crossed. Now,
everything was going along smoothly.
he mused. The balance of the mort
gage on the old place had been paid,
James was soon to start in practicing
medicine in a neighboring village and
without doubt, he and Eva would be
married inside of year. He was not
really needed any longer. 1t would
be a good idea to go to the city, for,
of course, he would be able to find
work there. His mother could live
with James and Eva when they were
married. Yes, he would go at once,
and he would tell her first what he
intended to do.
That evening he sought out his
mother and unfolded to her his new
plan trying to force some enthusiasm
into his voice. but it was well nigh
useless. When he had finished she
threw herself into his arms and burst
into tears. Frank was surprised and
panied at his mothers sorrow. He
had not imagined that she would care
like this.
"D-don't go, Frank" she sobbed. 81
can't get along without you"
But you would have James, moth
err" he said soothingly.
81 know l should have him, and I
think the world of him, of course, but
somehow he isn't you, Frank. You
and | have been through so much to-
gether. What should l do without
you, my boy?"
1t did Frank worlds of good to hear
this. His mother cared for him if no
one else did.
when James and Eva are married,
mother, you can live with them"
For an instant she looked at him,
astonished. 81 see how it is, Frank.
"But you have been blind. 1t is not
James at all. 1t is some one else Eva
cares for. If were you, Frank.
should find out who it is"
Franks face was radiant with Joy.
He patted his mothers cheek lovingly.
"Tll go over this very evening and
find out, little mother" he said.
The young man lost no time in set.
ting out for the Littlefields' home. Al
first his courage was at its highest
point, but after he had reached his
destination and rung the bell he found
that he was weakening.
What If mother is mistaken and
she doesn't care for me-" he said to
, himself. A moment later Eva answer
ed his summons. There was a visible
embarrassment in her manner. II
. could only mean one thing, he decided
She had probably promised to marry
, James. and was wondering now how
to break the news TO him. He sud
, denly resolved not to tell her of his
love. He would instead inform heI
OF his new plan.
I'm going away. Eva" he begar
without any preliminaries whatever
The girl turned as white as the
gown she wore and she tried to speak
? but in vain.
, A great hope came to Frank as h'
saw her agitation, and he chided him
! self for wounding her.
"When-are you going, Frank" she
asked brokenly. "We shall all mis-
= you So"
, But you will have James and