The Press., 1910-11-16
By CLARIsSA MAC1E.
Copyright, 1910, by American Press Association,

copyright, 19lO, Dy Amer1can EEeSS +
 Association.
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 She had been looking for him all through the warm spring, and now, late ill May. she felt that he must come. Another week would bring the Both of the month and Memorial day, with it's tender observance of all the beloved dead. would come to crush down her cherished hope of Roberts return. ...... ..-. Z
 Esther looked wistfully across the pasture. and tears filled her blue eyes until hillside and pointed cedars were dark blur.
 When she had wiped them away some one was coming wearily down the narrow path-some one tall and thin, dressed in dark clothing, with a 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. It was Robert Webb, paler, thinner and curiously changed in expression, and yet it was Robert. A 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.
 "I am afraid you have made mis- take," he said in deep, musical voice that was like Roberts own tones. My name is Robert, but am sure would have remembered you if we had met before. l came to see Mr. Lane. I was directed to take the short cut across the lots from the station. Is this his farm?"
 Esther shrank back.
 "Yes. this is MT. Lanes farm. You will find him at 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. MT. Lane was reading the almanac with an interest quite unabatcd by a long winters persual of its closely printed pages. Helen and Agatha were embroidering.
 They all glanced up as Esther en- 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 low rocker beside her. We've been wish ing you'd come i'll and give us little music"
 ''You promised to practice that duet with me. Esther" complained Helen. s''I 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 ly.
 The color leaped into Esther's pale cheeks. She struggled for moment with her quickening breath before her words found utterance. What has happened. Nell?" she asked, with as- stunned careIessness.
 "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 it :" asked Esther.
 "A man who came here tonight. 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 be wants to have summer farming it to get back his health again."
 "And likewise fill his pocketbook," yawned Farmer Lane, stretching him. SSAA 4U4QAAONS1ys SuOoo W. A 5CO along as well as may be. He's a fine, pleasant spoken young chap, but he's seen a sight of trouble, take it, His hairs as white as my own. He's com ing tomorrow"
 "What is his name?" asked Esther in muffied voice.
 Robert Munson. Looks like some one I've seen before. Can't think who 1t is to save my life,' said her father, rising and dlling his pipe at the man. aelshelf
 With q quick movement Esther arose and-was gone from the room.
 "Father Lane," exclaimed Agatha in a stage whisper. ''it's just come to me who this man looks likel He looks | enough like Robert Webb to Do his i own brother!'