The Press., 1910-11-16

They cast startled glAnces at one an- bther. "I declare if he doesn'tP' gasp ed Mrs Lane Ut last. Il hope Esther won't notice it. It would upset her terribly. pa'' ......
 ''That may be-" returned MT. 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 a home for her instead of running on and joining the army as if he 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 Georgev'
 The large brown fist struck the table with force that startled the three women. They watched MT. Lane march from the room with angry strides, and when the door had closed with all echoing slam their heads bent together in whispered consultation.
 Memorial day was holiday, and the Lanes usually spent it with relatives in an adjoining village. This day was no exception, and so it was quite ear ly in the morning that they drove away in the comfortable surrey, leav- ing Robert Munson standing bare headed by the wide white gate.
 Esther had said nothing about going to the cemetery to place flowers on Roberts grave. She would wait until their return, and when the crowd had left the graveyard she would climb the hill and place her offering there, alone in the sunset.
 When the long day was closing they came home again, Esther with her arms full of white blossoms gleaned from her aunt's garden. The new farm hand had taken advantage of the holiday and was nowhere to be seen, so Farmer Lane put up the horses and the others went indoors.
 ''I'll be back presently, mother" l" said Esther. tossing her hat on the ta- ble and gathering up her flowers. "Pm going to the cemetery now. Lion will come with me-"
 
 Esther whistled to the dog and walk ed through the orchard to the pasture. Robert Munson was leaning on the fence, looking at the reflected lights on the distant hills.
 "I am going up on the hill, Robert. Will you come along and carry my floWers?'' asked Esther bravely.
 Certainly. Miss Esther" he said pleasantly, and so together they cross ed the pasture and climbed the hill to the place where the tall white shaft made memorial for the fallen soldier boy. All about the base beautiful flowers were strewn, and some one had placed little flag in the green turf, Robert MunsOn was looking curi- ously at the inscription when Esther gently took the flowers from his grasp and dropped them on the ground at his feet. Then she placed her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes.
 Robert, Robertv' she cried tragical- ly. Don't you know me-won't you ever recognize me again?
 Very tenderly Robert Munson took her cold hands in his warm ones, and the firm pressure of his grasp seemed to give her wavering strength more courage.
 Miss Esther he said gently, whom do you take me for? Who do you think l am?"
 You are Robert Webb!" she cried eagerly. "See-this stone was erected for you. Your father died of broken heart when you were killed, and your mother went away to live with her sis ter. l am here. l have not forgotten. See-I have kept your picture all these years. 1 have worn it always here" She drew away her hands and pulled. a chain from her neck and opened round locket. The picture therein was that of a young man, much younger than Robert Munson. and. while there was a resemblance, it might have been more in expression than in actual fea- tures
 "You have made a great mistake, Miss Esther" said MunsOn at last. "I am so sorry. I wish I knew what to say to you. suppose you think the
 
 and that l am he. but 1t is not sO" He stretched out hand to support her wavering figure. but she leaned for support against the white marble. ''I have seen service in the Philippines, and did know Bob Webb for short time, and know he was killed. I am sorry to have to tell you this. As for myself. l wanted a season in the coun- try at hard work to recover my health. It is sheer chance that came to Little River and was directed to your fa- ther's farm. I have parents and broth CTS and sisters in Boston-in fact. am afraid I can prove only too we'll that I am not Robert Webb" He looked down at her with infinite pity in his fine eyes-a pity that was so akin to something warmer that she seemed to feel it infold her like a comforting garment.
 q am so sorry have annoyed you. What must you think of me? You see''- Esther broke down and sobbed bitterly, and Robert Munson stood be- side her with friendly hand pressing her shoulder. Ii was with his hand- kerchicf that Esther wiped away her tears, while he knelt down and deftly strewed the flowers she had brought about the foot of the shaft. Then he rose to his tall height and held out his hand.
 "Come, Miss Esther; let us go back home again. There are light and life beyond as we'll as here. We who are left behind have our work to do in tho world. I'm clumsy fellow at ex-