Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1910-08-16

One Who
Came
Il Memorial Day Story
By CLANSSA MACKIE. .
Copyright, 1910. by American Press .
Association.
By CLARISSA MACKIE.

IL By CLARISSA MACKIE. I
/ Copyright, 1910. by American Press +
Association. 4
*****+***++*4*+++*4+++*+*a
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
Both 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
pasture, and tears filed her blue eyes
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 O
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 ut him longingly
lovingly, but there was no recollection
in his glance. merely undisguised won
derment.
Esther's radiant smile faded rs she
searched the handsome face for some
sign of recognition. 1t was Robert
Webb, paler. thinner and curlously
changed in expression. and yet 1t 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.
II am afraid you have made a mis-
take" he said in deep. musical voice
that was like Roberts own tones. My
name IL Robert, but am sure l would
have remembered you II we had met
before. l came to see Mr.. Lane.
was directed to take the short cut
across the lots from the station. Is
this his farm2"
Esther shrank back.
"Yes. this Is Mr.. Lanes farm. You
will find him at the house or barn.
Take the path through the orchard"
With q 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 unabated by 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 a low
rocker beside her. "We've been wish.
ing you'd come in and give us little
music"
"You promised to practice that duet
with me, Esther" complained Helen
81 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
iy.
The color leaped Into Esther's pale
cheeks. She struggled for a moment
with her quickening breath before her
words found utterance. What has
happened, Nell2" 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 itT 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. Hes
been soldier. and he wants to have a
summer farming 1t to get back his
health again"
"And likewise fill his pocketbook,"
gawned Farmer Lane, stretching him.
self luxuriously. II guess we'll get
along as we'll MS may be. He's fine.
pleasant spoken young chap. but he's
seen q sight of trouble, take 1t. His
hairs rs white as my own. He's COM
ing tomorrow"
"What is his name" asked Esther
in q muffled voice.
"Robert Munson. Looks like some
one I've seen before. Can't think who
It is to save my life," said her father,
rising and filling his pipe ut the man.
telshelf.
With quick movement Esther arose
and was gone from the room.
"Father Lane" exclaimed Agatha In
q stage whisper. "it's just come to me
who this man looks likel He looks
enough like Robert Webb to be bis
own brother"
They cast startled glances at one an
other. II declare II he doesn'tP gasp
ed Mrs. Lane at last Il hope Esther
won't notice 1t. It would upset her
terribly. pa"
"That may be-" returned Mr.. Lane
decidedly. "Esther's mourned over
Rob Webb jest two years longer than
he was worth. If he'd cared anything
for her he'd stayed behind and made
q home for her instead Of running Oh
and joining the army US If be had No
responsibilities at home. EssIe bet
ter get used to seeing this new chap
around. She's got to get cured OF this
| grieving business. by George"
The large brown fist struck the table
| with a 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 echoing slam their heads bent
together in whispered consultation.
|
Memorial day was holiday, and the