Evening star., 1914-11-12

SO hastily that he nearly upset Mrs.
Bakers pet begonia. Kathleen gave
a little cry and rushed to rescue the
plant. There followed apologies, en-
barrassment. and a great deal of
laughter on Kathleen's part. After
which she dropped gracefully into the
swing seat and looked as beautiful
| as she knew how. And how beautiful
that was it seemed to Joan as if Mark
Elliott must know if any one.
During the lively conversati ton that
followed Joan sat very still. half in
the shadow, listening and at the same
time thinking her own thoughts. This
was the last week of school and her
last week in Westmore. In just six
days more she would be at home with
her father and mother and the
younger children. whom she was try
ing to help to educate by giving them
every cent of her wages she could
spare. All summer she would do tu-
toring for the sake of the few dollars
she might earn. and next fall she
would go into another town to begin
another years work under entirely
new conditions. at an increase of sal
airy. 1t was the increase of salary
that was taking her away from West
more and Mari. Elliott. Kathleen was
going to have year at home. She
had only taught for pastime, she said.
She might have stayed on in West
more. Yet she had not cared to do
so, even on Marks account. How
sure she must be of him! Joan feared
that Kathleen was something of
fiirt. for another man wrote to her
constantly. Joan felt troubled be-
cause of this. AS if any man living
was as worthy as Mark to stand in I
girls heart.
A boy came down the street on a BIZ
cycle, started TO pass, then hesitated.
Nrned back and, half alighting, called
to, the group on the veranda: rs this
Mrs. Bakers" Here's a telegram for
one of the boarders - Miss kathleen
Thompson
That's me- Kathleen said, eXcitedly.
She snatched the yellow envelope and
tried to open it. "Oh. Joan. I'm trem-
bling so. What has happened"
Joan opened the telegram and read
aloud. while Kathleen hung on her
shoulder:
Come home at once. Donald is hurt
Serious. MOTHER"
Your brother" she questioned, Won
derngly.
"No-no." Kathleen sobbed She was
white with terror. It's Donald Smith.
Oh. Joan. ! don't know what to do
why. YOU must do just what the
telegram commands-go home at once"
or death" He drew a little red book
out of his pocket and consulted it.
There's u train goes north in thirty
minutes. You must try for it, Miss
Thompson. It's the last until O'Clock
tomorrow morning"
L will,'' wept Kathleen. "Oh. I'm SO
upset. ] trust you two to do every
thing. You will, won't you"'
I'VE WILL" replied Mark, firmly.
In less than half an hour cab was
waiting, Kathleen dressed. her bag
packed ready for the journey. her ex-
cuses made to the principal and her
ticket bought. Joan and Mark had, in
deed, done everything. Once in the cab
with them, flying toward the station,
Kathleen became calm and told them
something about Donald Smith.
I'VE went to school together and
we've always been friends Mother
thinks almost as much of him as she
does OF my brother Harold. He's SO
fine. And to think this has happened
to him. Why, why, this afternoon l
got his letter, Oh, Joan, do you think
he will be dead by the time I get
there?" Kathleen asked. |
NO" said Joan, gently.
Keep up courage, my dear GIRL !
Mark said. "It will all come out right, i
I'm sure of it. BY Jerry, here's your
train We've just made it
After Kathleen had been n.ud -