Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-03-18
The Plain Brother

There was NiSuulneSS IN FRANK
Roberts face as he watched the two
approaching. The tall, stalwart fell
low was his younger brother James,
and his pretty companion was Eva
Littlefeld.
We're 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 a 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 Littleheld
all his life They had been playmates
as children and had always gone to
the same school. There had never
been a 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 wc-der he would
often tell himself J1lces was a sp'en-
did looking chap WEE te was well
aware that he was plain I'D awkward.
HIS brother had beer duated from
college with high homo; while he
had only finished the grammar school.
He had never been clever Ike James.
All be had been able 10 do all his life,
he reflected somewhat bitterly. had
been to look after the farm. Bui his
mother could have told Just how much
that had meant to them the last few
years. When things hsd looked the
darkest and it seemed as If the broth
er at college would not be able 10
finish, Frank had taAen extra wOrb
upon his shoulders, hardly aNo.~'-
himself any rest until their bridge o.
difficulty had been crossed. Now
everything was going along smoothl'
he mused. The balance o; the no.
gage on the ol6 place had been pals
James was soon to start in practici-
medicine in a neighboring village. ~
without doubt, he and Eva would %
married inside of year. He was
really needed any longer. II wo -
be a good idea to go to the city, for
of course, he would be able to fi.i
work there. His mother could T."
with James and Eva when they wee
married. Yes, he would go at ore
and he would tell her first what it
intended to do.
That evening he sought ont =
mother and unfolded to her his
| plan. trying to force some enthusi7s
into his voice, but it was well ng
useless. When he had finished ga
threw herself into his arms and b.
into tears. Frank was surprised 81
panied at his mothers sorrow. Hs
had not imagined that she would c. e
like this.
"D-don't go, Frank" she sobbed. 81
can't get along without you"
But you would have James. mo h
er," he said soothingly.
81 know l should have him, and
think the world of him, of course. tu
somehow he isn't you, Frank. W.
and | have been through so much 20
gether. What should do withou
you, my boy?"
1t did Frank worlds of good TO heai
this. His mother cared for him If NJ
one else did.
"When James and Eva are married
mother, you can live with them"
For an instant she looked at him
astonished. Il see how it is, Frank
she said. She smiled through tears
But you have been blind 1t is no
James at all. 1t is some one else Evi
cares for. If we're you, Frank.
should find out who 1t is"
Franks face was radiant with Joy
He patted his mothers cheek lovingly
I'm go over this very evening Ant
find out, little mother" he said.
The young man lost no time in sci
ting out for the Littlefelds' home. A
first his courage was at its highes
roint, but after he had reached hi
destination and rung the bell he foun,
that he was weakening.
What If mother is mistaken an,
she doesn't care for me-" he said t
himself moment later Eva answer
ed his summons. There was a visibl
embarrassment in her manner. !
could only mean one thing. he decided
She had probably promised to MARI
James. and was wondering now hoy
TO break the news TO him. He SUD
denly resolved not to tell her OF hi
love. He would instead inform he
Of mis- new plan.
I'm going away, Eva" he bega
without any preliminaries whatever
The girl turned as white as tn
gown sic wore and she tried to speal
but in vain.
A great hope came to Frank as
saw her agitation, and he chided hin
self for wounding her.
'When-are you going, Frank?" sh
asked. brokenly, I'VE shall all mis-
you So"
But you will have James and
"As II James could take your plac,
Frank"
She stopped abruptly, a deep erin
son dyeing her cheeks. Then Fran
knew that his mother had been righ
after all.
I've always loved you, Eva" b
said, land ! was going away confder
that you didn't care. But II you
only love me, dear, why won't CO."
The girl lifted an ecstatic face I
H..
Then don't go, Frank" she mu
|