Evening star., 1914-01-27
THE EVENING STORY.
NELL.
NELL.
BY DAVID MCKEE WRIGHT.

II think that will please him." she said.
as she looked at the flowers she had ar
ranged on the table.
The central vase was filed with fra2-
rant sweet peas. From the wide lip of
the vessel they fell. a fountain of white
and delicate rose. with single spike of
rich crimson blossom glowing the
downward wave like splash Of hearts
blood fallen on robe of pink silk and
snowy lawn. Nell loved to arrange flow
erS.
He WAS going away to be married Pink
and white were the wedding colors, and
deep crimson. that stood for love. Oh,
she did hope he would be happy! She
hoped that other girl loved him much
as much as he deserved To be loved
She turned and went to the window.
He would soon be coming in. Often and
often she had stood there and watched for
his homecoming. She would not watch
today 1t brought back too many mem
ories. With a sigh she turned away and
took a few steps as il 10 leave the room.
Everything about the place brought
feeling OF heart break.
At the doc. she fingered for a last look
at her flowers, and she did So a hasty
step sounded on the gravel walk outside.
She pressed her hand to her breast for
an instant and then walked to the table
and began TO touch flower here and
there as II completing the arrangement
of the vases
lack Marston burst into the room. His
manner was bosterolisly boyish. and
there was a freshness about his hand
some face and frank brown eyes that
made him look younger than his years.
Hello. Nell" he cried; fixing up the
flowers for the last time, eh? BY jove.
they look all right I've got a letter to
write, and the train starts in an hour.
could you get me some lunch before l
Go7'
Yes: thought of that I'll bring it in
directly Mother has it all ready"
He took up his pen, but paused, lost in
reverie- 1t was six years since he had
come here to board Every day Nell had
attended to his wants. She was only a
little girl when he came, and now she
had grown into magnificent woman.
He would miss her very much in the life
that was so soon to begin. He wondered
if Nell would care. He was a lucky man
10 hav" won Allison, but Nell was al
most like 4 sister to him.
-Nliisoa was called beauty; she was
clever and accomplished. and other men
euVied MIN, but little Nell He went
over and buried ms face in the falling
fountain of flowers.
.'Dear little sister, he said.
Then lie remembered his Letter. and sat
down and wrote hastily
Neil came back 10 lay the tablecloth.
He Cranm.l the letter into the envelope,
scaled it down and sat back in his chair.
DO YOU remember when l first came
here, Nell, when Yea brought me in my
1Irst chop and locked frightened and
shy"
Yes. / reIuerlber.' she said. 1T seems
such :. long time ago. | was only a little
girl then
And now you're an old woman: is
that what you mean. Nell? And well.
] must ~ getting an old staSer, for l m
soinG - b. married.
Dear in,. Nell It will all be so different
/ can hardly make myself think that TINS
is the last time you will bring me IN my
lunch
Nell turned and went away. and she
did not come back with the plates and
knives and forks for a long time
Jacks reverie had come to an end and
his mood had changed
Hurry up, Nell. he said. I don't
want 10 miss this train; there won't be
another till half-past dve-hello' What's
up, Nels:''
The girl turned her face away, and
tried to reach the door He caught her
hand and held her.
Nell, what is it? You're not crying
because I'm going away
oh" she sobbcd. don't stop me:
must bring in your lunch. You'll be late
for the train
The pain in her face made him reckless
of consequences
Hang the train. What is it, Nell7 Tell
me about it. Do You mind my going
away much all that2
1T was silly OF me, but l Just felt i
couldn't bear it. III be all right. I'll get
used to it. There. you mustn't keep me;
you've got to catch your train"
She broke from him and ran down the
passage. Jack rose to his feet and took
one or two quick turns up and down the
room. Then he went to the hall and got
his hat "Nell.'' he called from the front
door Il don't want MY lunch yet. I'm
going out for half an hour. I'll get the