Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-06-11
One Who.
Came
II Memorial Day Story
BY cLAElSSA MAcKIE.


come. Another week would bring the
3Oth 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 Robert IS
return.
Esther looked wistfully across the
pasture. and tears filled her blue eyes
until hillside and pointed cedars were
n dark blur.
When she had wiped them away
some one was coming YEARLY down
the narrow paih--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 nj the fence he looked up and
saw Esther gazing AZ 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. II was Robert
Webb, paler. thinner and curiously
changed In expression. and yet II was
Robert. 4 sudden terror filed her
soul.
Robert she cried softly. don't you
know me?"
He stared curiously mt her while
slow red burned into his thin cheeks.
He lifted the gray hat and showed
dark hair streakcd plentifully with
white
Il am afraid you have made mis-
take" lie said In deep. musical voice
that was like Roberts own tones. "My
name Is Robert, but am sure | would
have remembered you II we had met
before. 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.
..Yes this is Mr.. Lanes farm. You
will find him nj the house or barn.
Take the path through the orchard"
With mnrmured word of thanks
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 We're 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 nm interest
quite unabated by long winters
persual of It's closely printed lnges.
Helen and Agatha were embroid"ring.
They all glanced up ms Esther en-
tered the room. blinking nj the light.
You'll catch your death out in the
dampness. child" demonstrated her
mother rs Esther sat down In IL low
rocker beside her. We've been wish.
ing you'd come in and give us little
music
you promised 10 practice that duet
with me- Esther" complained Helen.
II 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 n moment
with her quickening breath before her
words found uttcrancc. What has
happened. Nell:" she asked. with as
a,.usod ,.a rol.tasuaGe
Nothing at ALL" interposcd Mrs.
Lane. smiling. except that fathers
tickled to death because he's got some
one to help him all summer"
"Who IL H. asked Esther
"a man who came here tonight.
The station master sent him. knowing
your father was put to II 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 n
summer farming It to get bnek his
health again"
yawned Farmer Lane. stretching him
self luxuriously. II guess wen get
along as well as may be. He's fine.
pleasant spoken young chap, but he's
seen n sight Of trouble, take II. His
hairs as white as my own. He's COM
ing tomorrow"
what Is his name;' asked Esther
In n mufiled voice.
Robert Munson. Looks like some
one I've seen before. Can't think who
II Is TO save my life said her father.
rising and filling his pipe at the man.
telshelf
With quick movement Esther arose
and was gone from the room.
"Father Lane" exclaimed Agatha In
a stage whisper. tits just come 10 me
who this man looks like. lie looks
enough ike Robert Webb TO be his
own brother."
They cast startled chances az one an
other II declare IL he Doesn't gasp
ed Mrs. Lane AZ last. Il hope Esther
won't notice II. II would upset her
terribly. pm"
THAT may be-" returned Mr. Lane
decidedly "Esthcr's mourned over
psl, kyalsh loaf tVyn xpur1 tanQQi. than