The Lamar register., 1913-02-26
SS:ESS

Copyright 1912 By Dodd. Mead & Company
"Well." said Caroline. that made q
heap of difference. Why, was the
only girl on Franklin street that didn't
have a-some one she was engaged to
at the front. Just think what 1t was
to be out of 1t like that! You have no
idea how suffered; besides. 1t is our
duty to help all we can. There aren't
many things a girl can do. but Colonel
Woolbridge-he's one of Morgan's
men, you know-said that the boys
fight twice as well when they have a
sweetheart at home. couldn't
waste an engagement on"
And is that why you let them all
propose to your" rejoined the youth
bitterly.
Certainly. 1t didn't hurt me, and 1t
pleased them. Most OF 'em will never
come back to try 1t again. and It is
our duty to help all we can"
"And you really want to help all you
can. do your" asked Wilfred desperate
ly. well. If were to Join the army
would you help me-that way?"
This was direct question. It was
the argumentatum ad feminam with
vengeance. Caroline hesitated. A
swift blush overspread her cheek. but
she was game to the core.
why, of course / would, II there
was anything I-could do" she an
swered.
"Well, there is something you can
do" He unrolled his package and
seized the trousers by the waistband
and dangled them before her eyes
"Cut those off," he said; they are
twice too long. All you have to do IL
to cut them here and sew up the ends.
20 that they don't ravel out"
Caroline stared at him in great be
wifderment. She had expected some
thing quite different.
why, they are uniform trousers"
she said finally. You are going to join
the army2" She clapped her handA
gleefully. "Give them to me-"
"Hushi don't talk 30 loud, for
heavens sake" said Wilfred. I've
got Jacket here. too" He drew out
Of the parcel small army Jacket. .
private soldiers coat. Its nearly Q
1t 1t came from the hospital. Johnny
Seldom wore 1t. but he won't want II
any more. you know. and he was Just
about my size. only his legs were
longer. Well" he continued, as the
girl continued to look at him strange
ly. II thought you said you wanted to
help me-"
II certainly do"
What are you waiting for. then?"
asked Wilfred.
The girl took the trousers and
dropped on her knees before him.
Stand STILL" she said, as she meas
ured the trousers from the waistband
to the floor. THAT is about the place
Isn't it7"
Eyes. Just there"
WAIT" she continued. until II
mark it with a PIN"
Wilfred stood quietly until the prop
er length had been ascertained, and
:hen he assisted Caroline to her feet.
do you see any scissors about?"
she asked in a businesslike way.
II don't believe there are any in the
drawing room, but 1 can get some
from the women sewing over there
Wait a moment"
mo. don't" said the girl; "they
would want to know what you wanted
with them, and then you would have
to tell them"
YES" said the boy; "and want to
keep this a secret between u.s."
when are you going to wear
them?"
"As soon as you get them ready"
"But your mother"
"She knows 1t. She is going to
write to father tonight. She said she
would send it by a special messenger,
SO we ought to get an answer by to.
morrow"
but II he says nor"
Il am going anyway"
"Oh, Wilfred, am SO glad. Why, 1t
makes another thing of It," cried the
girl. when l said that about staying
In Richmond, / didn't know Oh, ]
do want to help all can"
you do? Well, then, for heavens
sake. be quick about it and cut off
those trousers. So long as get them
In the morning." said Wilfred, 81
guess 1t will be in plenty of time"
when did you say your mother was
going to writer"
Tonight"
"Of course, she doesn't want you to
go, and she'll tell your father not to
let you. Yes" she continued sagely.