Tombstone epitaph., 1915-06-06
BOTH LOVE AND WAR
By JUNE GAHAN.

Copyright 1914 by the Mcclure Newspa-
 per Syndicate)
 The soldiers are coming! Hurrah! Hurrah." sang Gretchen Armour. as she danced into the family living room
 Coming? When?" gasped her moth CT, laying down her book and losing her place thereby.
 "Tomorrow-theyve been billeteo upon us. We're to have 20 of them over night. In the name of the gov ernment,'" mocked 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 ss she still sang her Impro- Of the "Campbells Are Coming" Do be quiet for moment and let me think. Gretchen
 The old Armour homestead stood far back from the main road, and il was to be expected that. sooner or later, the family would have to shel- ter some of the Rian? troops that were starting out or their long march iR support of their colors.
 Unusual guest rooms were turned into ready-to-iiye-in chambers, couches and cots were brought from attic and basement until the place looked like yeritable dormitory. In the kitchen Gretchen drove the cook almost frantic with her efforts at cooking. She had apple peelings everywhere, doughRuts 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.
 approach the house on the follow'ing 1 afternoon Gretchen was still in her enfoiding kitchen apron. We 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. It's too good Of you-too gcod!"
 "Good?" cried Gretchea. her dim pies dancing back and forth as sas talked Why, it's too good to be l true to have you here. It's the one spot Of joy in the whole war-for me-" And then, until 1t was time to have supper, the two talked and Gretchen {! learned much of the young mans , home. He told her he had wanted to | go 10 the front all the time and that he hoped to come back-he believed he would return. And then | IL was the supper's arrival that had | interruptes his story, and Gretchen had to help serve the many soldier boys.
 I But Gretchen managed to see him before they all turned in" She ex- tended her hand to say goodnight 1 Goodnight" she said; q 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 ! dier when she saw him next morning.
 Its good-morning and-good-by," he said. gravely. How pretty she was in the morning!
 So early!" exclaimed Gretchen.
 we march in an hour" he told her
 Neither one spoke. They stood be- meath the great elm tree near the ! dining room. Gretchen's eyes were { on the lawn.
 '1-can't you give me something" the soldier finally stammered. "A 1. alisman-something of your own?" : he asked.
 Gretchen did not reply. She looked about belplessly. "This-my handkes. ! chief-is all have.- she said at last. The soldier took it IL had a deli. 1 cate, subtle perfume that he knew he would never forget. He put it inside his jacket. T shall carry it till see | you sgain or"
 Don't say 1t" Gretchen cried Don't" IL was one Of the few SC. rious moment of her gay young life.
 The soldier laughed bat the mirth 1 was forced All right-tiil l come back theng And when the good old band plays The Girl I Left Behind Me this trip may I think of you as ! my girl?" he asked Breakfast was being called from the house May I?" he persisted.
 I'm not anybody else's." Gretchen said. simply.
 And when the troops passed along the main road and the soldiers who had been billeted on the Armours joined them Gretchen stood beside the gate holding fast to a large square of linen that had been pressed into her hand when the soldier. boy shook it in farewell. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the band played The Girl Left Behind Me-" and she wiped them again and again with her sol- dfer boy's handkerchief