Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-13
THE DAILY NOTELETTE
u "viands Military Day
Br Marion C.1epsam

FINfiE ILt'Ie town of Weyland was Ger
l. tainly in n fever of excitemrnt-and
why not? Tomorrow was TO be "NIiIitarv
Pay and all the follows who had left
that town for the service OF Tncle Sam
wcr" invited home to he treated as
honored guests. or course there were
some already over there" who could not
attend. but others were at nearby camps
and schools and the people Of the town
volunteered to go in their own machines
and bring the boys home.
If it is only fair day" said Ruth
Merrill 10 her mother, IF it rains. it
will spoil the whole thing"
Don't be pessimistic. Ruth. dear.
guess it will not rain, it's such a beau-
tiful evening. BY the way. will Robert
Foster be able to come home"
II hardly think so. and moreover
don't care whether he comes home or
Robert Foster was one of Ruth's old
Sweethearts. but a year ago they had
uuarreled and Bob had enlisted Ruth
was too proud to give in. and So was
Bob, hence the quarrel had never been
patched up
why. Ruth, this is no time 10 be
thinking of petty uuarrelS. said her
mother IT'S a shame for YOU and Bob
10 act 50"
Mrs. Merrill pu, her neatly darned
stockings into the basket thinking
deeply all the whole. There is nothing
/ can do" she thought Better let things
straight"n out themselves.
The next day dawned fair and warm
and Ruth got up with a happy feeling
in her heart, Something was going to
happen to her that day. but wat she
knew not. There was to be a parade
in the morning; then in the afternoon a
banquet. and last of all a dance in the
evening.
1t was during the parade that Ruth's
he n
third formation the tail figure Of Ensign
Robert Foster. My. how manly he
looks Ruth thought. put then she
passing by aud he might look at her.
II wont speak first" she said TO her
mother, but fate had arranged differ
entity About : o'clock Ruth hustled
over to help wait on table. She had
about fifteen hungry fellows to serve
and she hurried lest some should lie
kept waiting. Everything Wen, fine
till Ruth, with cup of coffee in one
hand and a plate of chicken salad in the
Young man. who Immediately turned
aud looked up into her face. Ruth had
not expected Bob at her table. and the
shock was TOO mHcn, ,AhEwa%' Nia% me
and dismayed little girl ran fran
tically out Of the room.
Il shan't go in again" she sobbed to
one of the girls. Il spoiled his white
suit. and he looked so nice.
After much teasing Ruth was per-
suaded to go to the dance but she took
pains TO keep out of Bob's way. She
avoided him all evening by dancing
with other fellows but one dance catria
when Ruth was without a partner. aliS
Bob. seeing his chance, sauntered overU
Ruth got through the dance. but few
word were spoken. At the beginning
OF the encore Bob led her out of the
hall. and they walked in the still moon
light until the dance music was only
family heard.
Then Bob turned and took Ruth
so,Iarely by the shoulders. Little
sweetheart, let's forget everything and
start again Since training down South
| have had time to think things over,
and | certainly missed my little girls
letters to keep away that homesick
feeling"
Ruth softly squeezed Bobs hand.
I've been sorry, too she said but
/ thought YOU had forgotten me. Then
when ! blundered and spilled the coffee
, / felt that was the finishing touch"
THAT'S the least of my troubles: but
dear. I'm going to sea in a couple OF
weeks. so we must be happy and make
I the best of our time together
| II was a much happier girl who, two
| weeks later. said good-by TO Bob.
"I'u be back soon, dear; SO dom
worry" and kissing her tenderly, Bot
I went away.
! Ruth waved until he was out OF sight
Then. with tears in her eyes. she looked
, down at the ring on her third tinge'
and pressed it TO her lips,
let