The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-08-09
THE DAILY
SHORT STORY.
The Return.
BY ALTON o. SPENCER.
Copyright, 1919, by The Mcclure
Newspaper Syndlcate.)

the crandyille Gazette. Her gaze fell
npon q picture OF Homer Preston,
Grandyille boy who that day had re-
turned from the war. The article re,
cited some of his gallant deeds, tolo
of his being gassed, and announced tnat
he would resume his old position at the
Grandyiew State Bank.
Molly dropped the paper and her
mind wandered back two years TO tne
day when Homer bade her goodbye
and left to do his share in the great
war. She became reminiscent.
Three years previous to his depar-
ture Homer had met Molly at church
social. Gradually their friendship grew,
and II became Grandville gossip thas
the young bank clerk had assumed
the lead III the conquest for Molly's
hand. To all appearances the gossips
were correct, and neither Molly nor
Homer made any pretense at denial.
He went with her TO church, took her
TO the theatre occasionally, and was
a welcome guest at her home. Short
" after the United States entered the
war he called at her home. After the
usual greetings and chatter OF the
days doings Homer's face grew SOL
emn.
molly" he began, this country OF
ours has big fight on its hands. 1t
needs men, and needs them quick
Every man who has his health oughl
to get in and help clean this job up.
I've got good health and"
You're not going to enlist, ars
you?" broke in Mollle, excitedly.
mo. I'm not going to /. l have!"
yes, / joined up today and leave
for camp tomorrow"
"But Homer, you ought to
~ know what you're going to say.
You've said 1t right along l ought to
walt until all the buns and idlers have
gone. But waiting for them isn't 60
ing to win the war. Anyway, protest.
ing will do no good now. I've signed
Molly's small white fingers stole to
Homer's wrist and crept down into his
warm hand.
"Forgive me, Homer I'm selfish, 1
know. 1 have thought only of my own
pleasure. l couldn't think Of you go
ing away. We have such good times
together. But l know you are right.
The country needs real men like you.
You'll forgive me for trying to keep
you here, won't you? I'm going to be
a real patriot from now on. Ill help
the Red Cross and do my share like q
real soldier"
~ could forgive you anything, Mol
ly. ! knew you were a patriot at heart,
And to know that you are doing your
part here will be an inspiration to me
when l get over there. And
when get back"
"Yes?"
well, perhaps I should wait until
1 do come back before say it."
Before he left they both promised
faithfully to write often. Lick the
Germans quick and hurry home" Mol
ly called as Homer went through the
front cato and swung up the street.
AYE, Molly!" he replied.
Molly recalled it all wildly as she
sat in the big chair and gazed at the
paper which had fallen TO the floor
with Homer's picture right-side up.
She recalled also how they had writ
ten letters frequently while Homer
was in camp. the thrill she had felt
when she learned he had reached
France safely. She recalled further
how their letters gradually grew short
er and less impassioned, how finally
no letters were exchanged.
And she recalled how James Brad
son, an attorney, had gradually come
into her life and filled vacant spot.
Bradson had tried to get into the army
but weak eyes had prevented it. He
was an ardent war worker, however,
made four-minute addresses, pushed
war stamp sales, liberty bond sales,
and did what he could in every way to
back the country's war program. Mol
ly had been true to her promise to be
a real patriot. Her acquaintance and
friendship with Bradson had been an
outgrowth OF their war work. Togeth-
er they had planned various wartime
"stunts" and had been successful with
them. Gradually love entered and
they were married.
81 can't face Homer" she pondered.
81 know he was going to ask me to
marry him when he came back" Then
she tried to find solace in the fact that
Homer had stopped writing to her.
Perhaps ! should have told him be-
fore he went away that didn't love
him enough to marry him. But he
didn't ask me and couldn't tell him
without his asking. hate to break
the poor boys heart, but-shucks!
Maybe my worry is all for nothing.
Maybe he didn't want to marry me.
Maybe he doesn't care anything for
me-"
Suddenly remembering that she
must go to market before dinner, Mol
" donned her wraps and hurried out.
As she turned the corner she heard a
familiar voice call "Melly!"
Her heart seemed to stop as she
turned to see Homer running up to
greet her. He seized her. hands and
shook them vigorously. lawfully
glad to see you, Molly" he explained.
'Tmh glad to see you. too, Homer"
replied Molly slowly. wondering how
Jhe could explain about her marriage
without seeming cruel. Perhaps he
knew, abe thought, but no. he wouldn't
greet her that way II he knew.
I've got something to talk TO Won
lbout," said Homer houghtfuly. Molly
caught her breath. Was he going t.
say what he started TO say when he
babe her goodbye that day? How
could she stop him and break the news
10 him gently?
Not so fast, Homer" Let me- get my
" breath Won afIrnTIu oil 49, -