Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-03
Epening Story
TWO o M AND PETER.
BY Dorothy Douglas.
Copyright, 1917, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.

BY Dorothy Douglas.
{ Copyright, 1917, by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate. }
Peter Morrow tossed his sisters let
ter irratably on the table.
"It's a bit of a bore-sister expect.
ing us to have this chum of hers
down to recuperate. Some anemic
! society moth who'll turn up her white
, washed nose at us and our country
ways. I'm not very strong for having
her down." Peter grumbled. Bertha
should be here herself. Nellie will
kick up a row, too, I suppose"
Nellie was Peters %betrothed and
lived on the next farm.
my dear Peter" his mother remon-
strated gently, 1--WE may be all wrong
about Miss Pattison. Bertha is not the
kind to make friends of a snob. I
would feel badly to think I had re-
fused to have the girl down to re-
store her to health. I vas thinking on
ly this morning as I lay in my COM
Portable bed how selfish and self-cen-
tered we have become. We live only
for our selves and huge to
make it pleasant for others. It's hard
ly human, especially just now when
the world is in the throes of q life-and-
death struggle and every individual
except ourselves is doing a small
share in the great crisis"
Peters gloomy eyes turned sudden
ly affectionate.
you're right, little mother" he
said; you make me ashamed of my
] a>yp yxynv1 I1o,yo Misc Daft{cNr A0ryp
for a few weeks. You love to make
Long Island roses grow in pale cheeks
| with your milk and eggs.'
Mrs. Morrow paused in her re-
reading Of Bertha's letter to smile
lovingly at her big son Bertha
hasn't said much about the girl, ex-
cept that she met her in connection
with the Woman's Federation move
ment."
isis should have been the mar Of
our family. She's progressive and ven.
turesome; but then he added, she
has no physical defect to make her
feel like a bally fool when talking to
strangers"
"My dear boy Mrs. Morrow put her
arm across his shoulders, you do so
exaggerate that slight impediment Of
speech you have. It's only when you
get excited or V that it is notice
able. 1t you mingled more with
strangers you would fling It off en-
tirely."
Peter sighed. ooh. Sis will have to
do the society for the family. Nellie
is not keen on mixing much, anyway.
Nellie is just a trifle selfish. I
think" Mrs. Morrow said gently. II
am fond OF Nellie, Peter; but she
really ties you down frightfully." she
was relieved that Peter did not take
offense at her speaking plainly.
II am lucky to have won her any
way-with this suffering speech"
was all the comment he made.
Mrs. Morrow sent a kindly invita-
ton to Lydia Jane Pattison via her
daughter. On the day Of the girls ar.
rival Peter drove to the station to
meet her. The train had pulled in
when he drew rein.
This is really good of you. Mr.. Nor.
row." said a soft voice at his elbow.
She had recognized the bronze giant
from Bertha's description.
! He turned and met the pale. smiling
face Of Lydia Pattison. 1t was not a
pretty face. but it was distinguished
and earnest. He led the way toward
the trap. It was not until she stood
quietly beside him and smiled up IN
to his face that Peter realized she
wanted assistance.
"My stir knee" she said depreca-
tingly. makes lots Of trouble for other
folks. l am not very agile"
I'm 30 sorry" Peter said with
quick emotion. "I had not observed
iyour lameness.' He lifted her bodily
into the trap and tucked her comforta-
bly, in. Her aflction and the brave way
in which she bore it made Peter for
getful to himself. "Not nervous about
driving, are you? This animal is a bit
frisky for want of work"
I suppose that's the way I'll be get
ting IN the co%untry-for want OF
work." laughed Lydia, noticing the
slight h%esitatetion in his speech and
wanting to put him at ease. mo, l am
not a bit nervous she answered. I've
been through so many big dangers and
seen so much h~eart-rending agony that
a boiling horse and a few broken
bones would seem a mere bagatelle.'
OuS "oulu oihloSI thAAn yoo ioA
been on the firing linee.' Peter said,
smiling into her serious gray eyes.
~ have" she replied tersely.
"You." Peter jerked about in his In
credulity.
Just returned ten days ago. I vol
unteered in one of the relief ships that
went to Belgium. I've been constantly
about the trenches and hospitals until
my health gave out. I've come home
for a rest"
Inwardly Peter shuddered. He had
almost refused to give this brave lit
tie woman the hospitality of his home
"But-your injury-lameness. Did II
not happen there?'
"Oh, dear no." Lydia smiled. I've
had my efiction since childhood. NJ,
dear father spent thousands trying t.
cure me, but I'm intended to sc
through life manned. It's the law O
compensation. l have had everything
want in life, being an only child. OK
cept physical perfection. However
she went on softly, II feel thrice
blessed since seeing the tortured