Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-10-22
THE DzsElY NOVELETTE,
@THE CALI

nAvE M was poor student, ac-
- cordng to the standard at Marys-
dale University. His record there OBJ
tained for him no cum laude, and the
manner In which he nearly missed his
sheepskin caused the faculty in session
TO sagely nod an assent to one member
OF That august body who vouchsafed
the candid opinion that the world held
very little for so makesift a student
as Dave Nj.
Dave had no especial liking for books,
much less the mysteries OF medicine !;
but well-meaning and unselfish parents
eould see no other course for their boy.
indeed, II had been a long -che erished am
pition OF the senior NJ that some
Day his son would need sign on
NJ. D.
1t was not without misgivlngs that
pave had put his unwilling shoulder to
the wheel, resolving that 1t should not
start with him that a NJ could be
called gutter
Now, after four years of ceaseless
grind. which seemed lifetime he found
himself but little advanced toward the
world of his fathers dreams Home
agaln-and again was not his welcome of the
derneath 1t all the struggle of tear
dimmed parents, so loyalty fighting that
ne should not see the disappointment
that was theirs?
Virginia O. refused TO listen to the
disquieting utteranccs Of her girl friends
and others in the little village, who open
ly or late had voiced the opinion that
Dave M was somewhat OF "A worth
less specimen of young American man
hood. "a ne'er do we'll" some had in
cautiously styled him. Her heart was
near to the breaking point when she
overheard her best girl friend remark
one day that Gin" C was Just
wasting her time and affections upon
little lips choked back a sob, but never
would the Spartan little miss allow these
idle whisperings to make inroads upon
her faith in her hero.
To her Dave always went in his dis
tress, and in her big hazel eyes saw
the loyalty and faith that always COM
forted him. "'Gin, dear" he was wont
TO say you are my own true beacon
and the light l see in those dear eyes
will yet guide me out Of this awful rut
| am In. Have patience with me, sweet
heart, and for your own dear sake will
soon find myself"
Then came the clarion call to the sons
of America ! America was aroused and
the call had como for each and every one
to do his duty.
iHhV a hSinptSl TIE news Hdu tltcITl-
fled the QUIET little village OF M!lburgh
and among the first to hear and reflect
upon what 1t really meant was Virginia
To her II held two meanings, the sacred
thought of coming sacrifices, and again
Dave. Would II bring to her the mo-
ment she had for so long wished and yet
feared? Hope at last took hold OF her
and looking into the clear red-brown
OF the western sky she murmured. This
is my day--the day / shall know Dave
as ! believe In him. or" and her eyes
grew dim. Il shall not"
sharp rap at the front door and a
clear voice she knew and yet seemed 10,
TO know interrupted her musings. In o
twfnkling the door had opened and ar
earnest face framed in the proud setting
OF the Boys" campaign hat peered into
her eyes with a look She understood
For time. unconscious of everything
but themselves, they stood his stronl
arms about her, and there with the set
ting sun as a witness they mutely told OF
happines no words could tell.
After the war, dearest, you and onl,
you Until them my country" was al
he said. With yielding tremor and
little sigh of content she murmured
MY Dave has found himself"
1omoryor's Com plete Nouelette--
LOVE AND LIBERTY BONDS"