The Spectator., 1915-03-02
THAT HANDSOME MAN
By JOHN DARLING.

Marian Hamilton had met John Broadfoot in Washington while that young man had been attached to the British embassy. He had been no- ticeable even in Washington society because of his handsome face and splendid carriage. His manners, too, were charming and he was a much sought after guest at social func- tions.
 From the moment that he beheld Marian he had loved her. And he was not long in telling her of his feeling. Marian had been very kind but very sorry--she could not marry him. She had always said she could not be hap py with really handsome man, and she had always said she hoped she would not fall in love with one. She recognized her own weakness-a tend ency to jealousy.
 And it was not until John Broad foot was called back to his own coun- try to serve his colors that the girl realized that. in spite of herself, she loved him. She had bidden him hasty good-by and there had been no time for further explanation.
 Following his departure she evaded society; she was not happy. And when an opportunity came to enlist herself for service in the Red Cross ranks she cheerfully took up the preliminary work in Washington. Later, when a girl chum decided to go on to the scenes of battle in Europe she begged leave of her parents to accompany her
 Therefore, it was not so strange that she should one day find her old lover, John Broadfoot, among the wounded soldiers under her care. His wounds had been so severe that there had been little hope of his recovery and she had fingered day and night at the side of his cot so that she might be near him when he regained consciousness. And she had been there only to receive the heeting rec ognition and then to have him sink back again into the darkness Strangest of all, followed the cable calling her to Washington She had only time to leave a message with the girl with whom she had come across the ocean.
 That message conveyed to John Broadfoot the hope that if he still cared to tell her story she would listen. But the wounded soldier haG not yet received the message and he looked forward to the time when he could rejoin his regiment and fight al the front.
 I've found Miss Hamilton's friend Mary Sprague, who says she has a word to whisper in your ear" his nurse said to him one morning wher he seemed brighter and stronger. "Wil you see herr"
 Will thirsty man drink?" ht asked her, smilingly.
 And almost as he said the word. Mary Sprague appeared at the side O. his cot. John Broadfoot-you know me now?" she said, taking his thin white hand
 "Now-and always, hope" he sait with a touch of his old-time chivalry
 But it's long way-from Wash ington, U. s. A., isn't it?"
 Broadfoot nodded against his pillow Then he seemed to wait for the mes sage.
 Marian was with me-" Mar, Sprague began.
 1-yes, I remember seeing he standing here," the patient said.
 She and joined the Red Cross to gether and-she was suddenly called home. Her mother was i'll. She she left nasty message for you. Sh, told me to tell you that" Mar, Sprague hesitated-'that there wa some story you wanted to tell her tha that she would be interested In now"
 The wounded man searched the fac, of the nurse. Marian told you to tel me that?" he asked. unbelievingly.
 She told me that as she left t, catch the steamer back to America. Mary Sprague repeated.
 John Broadfoot was silent for a fev minutes. The other nurse had disar peared
 Could you-would you let me writ a cable message for her and-woul, you send it for me?" he asked, witt almost childish appeal in his voice.
 Mary got him pencil and paper Then she left him while he compose, his message.
 When the cable letter was finishe, it said to Marian Hamilton: win yo, have me now? I am no longer tn handsome man you refused My nos Is fiattened and turned up like that o Socrates; I've lost a finger. Is tha enough? The battle did it. but If I gives me you I'm happy"
 It was an extravagant message, bu it meant much to the wounded mar and when he received reply to 1t tha made him happier than he had eve been in his life he took a wonderful turn toward health and surprised tn nurses and doctors who were attend