New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-03

Aprn rain clouds. He had never been so dis
coptented with his lot Most of his contempt
raries would have considered him man to be
envied. The villa from which he looked out
On the green fields, the river and the woods
belonged to him. He had a safe and comfort
able income. In addition, he believed that he
had pretty well fulfilled his duty in the world.
He had been a good son, good citizen and a
charitable neighbor.
When the call Of his country came he dill not
seek exemption from active service. AS re-
serve Lieutenant he fought honorably in Lor-
raine and in Champagne. A shell splinter in
his left thigh had finally invaided him
After that he gave his time to relief work for
the wounded Nevertheless he felt certain
bitterness against himself and that bitterness
kept on increasing On this beautiful day, still
showery, but smiling under sun which played
hide-and-seek with the rain clouds, he seemed
to realize that his existence on earth had been
hardly different from that Of some sterile plant
He was annoyed and indignant with himself
He keenly regretted not having about him the
stir Of youthful life-the faces and voices Of
children And he thought, too, that it was be
cause Of men of his type that the French armies
we're so inferior in numbers TO the German
armies.
Doubtless he didn't lack good excuse. She
Of men had broken her engagement to him.
AID he had long cherished bitter aversion to
women. No matter He ought to have been
the head Of family. If he were, his soul
would not be as lonely in the world as a voyager
in an UNEMPLOYED forest.
While he was thus lost in reverie he heard
sounds at the gate which led from the front
garden 10 the high road. Going 10 the big bay
window, he saw woman with two girls and
little boy. His old servant, Georges, was talk
ing with them. lie was courteous and kindly
old man. So he decided to let the little group
advance as far as the porch, while he went to
make a report to his master.
It is a lady from the North. From Aniches.
she says. She would like to speak to you on a
matter of Importance"
Bring her into the reception ROOM
The woman seemed worn with fatigue and
worry She was blond, with blond hair, show
ing darker coppery strands, lilac eyes and
complexion which ordinarily would have been
fresh. but 20 which her hardships had given
faded. parchment-like color. She could easily
pass for good looking. Her cheeks were
smooth and fine grained; she had delicately
formed chin.
She gave her name.
"Germaine Marescq. But that name would
suggest nothing TO you" she said, in a humble
voice. MY family name is Warocque"
Antoine moved his arms, with vague gest-
ure which expressed uncertainty and impotence.
But" continued his visitor, my father
Jacques Marocque, married Nile. Bernardo
-Arg6lique Bernardet."
Antoine listened attentively while the woman
vent on.
Isn't it 50 that your mother was Mic
Berrardet from Aniches?"
ayes, that is So" replied Antoine.
Then we are relatives. An, monsieur we
escaped at the moment when our slavery was
beginning. don't know how we were able TO
yet into Holland. 4 steamer carried US there
am rot beggar. Ny children and | own two
farms down there in Belgium And those VINO
a.sist US now will not lose anything"
Little BY little Antoine softened. The pres
enee n the children-that made a very strong
appeal n him. They had arrived at the psy-
geological moment.
The house s. at your disposal he said.
,,roking the hair Of one Of the little girls
"You will stay here as long as it suits you
The woman began 70 weep but silently with
o.; any Of those cries and sobs which displease
oeople who do not ike 20 have real life remind
l1el u the life Of the theatre.
Hs was satisfed with his guests Inc
refugee understood housekeeping. She re-
Tered Antoine Of all cares as the master OF 'ne
hease, and 70 adroitly that his total expenses
we're no. increased. As 20 the children, ne soon
rev very fond Of them He took them through
The woods and over the fields. He told tnem
bny stories. In return he shared IN the DC
lght u their childish development, IN that IN
r2iring re-growth which makes the lie Of ."
snspoiled child a perpetual fairy tale 70 'ho'e
Who watch It's expansion.
u turned out that Gernaine Warooqpe'