The herald., 1915-02-04
BOTH LOVE AID war
BY JUNE GAHAN.

per Syndlcate)
The soldiers are coming! Hurrah!
Hurrah!" sang Gretchen Armour, as
she danced into the family living
room.
Coming? When?" gasped her moth
er, laying down her book and losing
her place thereby
"Tomorrow-theyve been billeted
upon us! We're to have 20 of them
over night. In the name of the gov
ernmentu" Knocked Gretchen, trying
to initiate the deep bass of the mans
voice who had been at the door with
the news.
Let me see,' said Mrs. Armour,
taking the slip of paper her daughter
waved as she still sang her impro-
vised song to the good old Scotch tune
of the "Campbells Are Coming" DO
be quiet for a moment and let me
think, Gretchen"
The old Armour homestead stood
far back from the main road, and it
was to be expected that, sooner or
later, the family would have to shell
ter some Of the many troops that were
starting out on their long march in
support of their ccfOrs.
Unusual guest rooms were turned
into ready.to-live-in chambers, couches
and cots were brought from attic and
basement until the place looked like
a veritable dormitory.
In the kitchen Gretchen drove the
cook almost frantic with her efforts
at cooking. She had apple Feelings
everywhere. doughnuts in every avail
able platter dripping their grease
chocolate filling on the fire for the
cake that was not even started and
which Gretchen said she could make
later.
Even when the soldiers began &c
approach the house on the following
afternoon Gretchen was still in hel
Unfolding kitchen apron.
I'VE shall not be much trouble" one
of the officers in uniform told her
after she had mingled with them as
| they sat about and rested after the
/ long days march. Its too good Of
you-too good"
"Good?" cried Gretchen. her dim
pies dancing back and forth as she
talked. Why, it's too good to be
true to have you here. It's the one
spot of Joy in the whole warrior me-
And then, until it was time to have
supper, the two talked and Gretchen
learned much of the young mans
home. He told her he had wanted tt
go to the front all the time and that
he hoped to come back-he believed
he would return. And then
1t was the supper's arrival that had
interrupted his story, and Gretchen
had to help serve the many soldier
boys.
But Gretchen managed to see him
before they all turned in" She ex
tended her hand to say goodnight.
Goodnight" she said; 81 do hope
you'll be comfortable"
Comfortable" the soldier said
I'll be comfortable bodily, but you've
upset my comfort Of mind. Good
night"
"Good-morning," she said to the sol
der when she saw him next morning
IT'S good-morning and-good-by," hi
said, gravely. How pretty she was il
the morning.
so early" exclaimed Gretchen.
I'VE march in an hour" he toll
her
Neither one spoke. They stood be
meath the great elm tree near tn,
dining room. Gretchen's eyes wer,
on the lawn.
I-can't you give me something?
the soldier finally stammered. Il
misunderstanding Of your own?
he asked.
Gretchen did not reply. She locke,
about helplessly. "This-my handker
chiefs all have" she said at last.
The soldier took it. It had a deli
cate, subtle perfume that he knew h
would never forget. He put it insid
his jacket. Il shall carry it till Sc
you again or"
Don't say it." Gretchen cried
DON'T" 1t was one of the few sc
rious moment of her gay young life.
The soldier laughed, but the mirtl
was forced All right-till l com
back then? And when the good oil
band plays The Girl l Left Benin,
Me- this trip may | think of you as
my girl?" he asked.
Breakfast was being called from tn
house. May II" he persisted.
I'm not anybody else's," Gretchel
said, simply.
And when the troops passed alon
the main road and the soldiers VIII
had been billeted on the Armour
Joined them Gretchen stood besid
the gate holding fast to a large squar
Of linen that had been pressed int
her hand when the soldier boy shoe
II in farewell. Tears rolled down he
cheeks as the band played The Cir
l Left Behind Me-" and she wipe
them again and again with her So