The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-04

! 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
support of their colors.
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 to
approach the house on the following
| afternoon Gretchen was still in her
enfolding 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. IT'S 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 mel"
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 to
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; Il 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-goodby," 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 he
meath the great elm tree near the
dining room. Grelchen's eyes were
on the lawn.
cant you give me something?'
the soldier finally stammered. "A
misunderstanding of your OWN
he asked.
Gretchen did hot reply. She looked
about helplessly. "This-my handker
chiefs all have" she said at last,
The soldier took it. 1t had a deli
cate, subtle perfume that he knew hs
would never forget. He put it inside
his jacket. Il shall carry it till I SO.
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 mirtt
was forced All right-till | come
back then? And when the good OLE
band plays The Girl l Left BEHIND
Me this trip may l think of YOU as
my girl?" he asked.
breakfast was being called from tn.
mousse May II" he persisted.
I'm not anybody else's," Gretchen
said, simply.
| And when the troops passed alons
the main road and the soldiers whs
mad been billeted on the Armour.
Joined them Gretchen stood besid.
me gate holding fast to large souar.
OF linen that had been pressed int,
her hand when the soldier bow shoe,
II IN farewell. Tears rolled down he,
cheeks as the band played The Cir
| Lett Behind Me-, and she vine,
them again and again with her sol
/ u1er bows handkerchief