Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-06-13
HER IDLE HOUR
BY HoRTENsE


Gladys Carter called II her idle hour,
but all her friends called II her busiest.
The hour was supposed to be from five
to six, spent at the Soldiers and Sail
ors' club, but many nights the hands
Of the clock were long past seven when
she left the building.
Every night, except Sunday, for ID
months, she had covered her typewrit-
er, put on her coat and hat and gone
to the club. Arriving there she had
busted herself making sandwiches and
coffee for the men who would arrive
shortly for the social hour. Because
of her cordiality, she was a great fa-
vorite with the men In service, making
no distinction between the home boys
and the strangers.
One night as she was busy making a
delicious looking salad, she CHANGED to
observe a man in uniform just enter
ing the door. In a glance h could
see he was a stranger, probably some
poor lonely fellow who had been
in that city before. Hurriedly she
dropped the fork she had been using,
and went to where he was standing.
"How do you do" she said. cordially,
as she extended her hand. you are
very welcome"
The fellow smiled his gratitude. Evil
| IDENTIFY he had been afraid of the re-
| ception he would receive.
"Come over here" Gladys contin-
ued, "and I will make you acquainted
with some of the other men,"
Smiling pleasantly, she led the way
over to where three boyish looking fell
lows were standing.
'This is Mr.. -. Why, I don't be-
lieve you told me your name"
MY name Is jerks, Harold jerks"
the newcomer said.
"Oh, yes, Mr.. jerks. Let me pre-
sent you to Mr.. Grant and Mr.. Lynn.
Now, Paul." Gladys said, turning In
the direction of Mr.. Grant, "you can
see that MI. jerks Is made perfectly
at home"
After Gladys had turned away to
greet more boys, Harold turned to
Paul. "Why not introduce me to the
lady?" he asked.
"Why, / thought you knew her. She
is Miss Gladys Carter, much beloved
by every man In service"
"well, I'm glad I'm a member Of that
society,"" Harold answered with a smile.
Paul crossed the room and laid his
hand on Miss Carriers arm. mfr. jerks
would like to meet you IL you will
come over here a minute"
Gladys went to where Mr.. jerks was
standing. Paul glanced at them both
a little doubtfully and then introduced
them. Never once after that did Har-
old take his eyes from the graceful
Gladys as she moved deity about the
room.
His stay in that city was but nine
DAYS, but during that short time he
was a frequent visitor at the club. At
last came the day when he had to say
good-by, and sorting out Gladys, led her
to a seat.
'You have no idea how much you
have done for me here" he began, "and
1 want to thank you for it all. I'm
not going to tell you just how much
you mean to me, as I am going to
France. But I want you to think of
me, and write to me, will your
Gladys readily consented, and with
tear-dimmed Eyes she gave him her
hand. II will think Of you now, and
after you've gone, Harold, and / may
be still here when you come back"
Harold took the hand gravely, smiled
| and went out.
A month after that the letters had
begun to fly over the ocean thick and
fast. She, at home doing her bit at the
club, was thinking Of him, while he, do
ing his bit in the trenches, saw but n
smiling face he had left behind.
At last, he returned home, to find
her still keeping her place of mercy.
Smilingly he treasured her he was per-
fect1y safe, and glad to be home again ;
but the clear-eyed Gladys noticed one
side of his head was badly Scared.
81 feel as If 1 had known you all
my life, Gladys" he said, "and your let
tiers were so like you, I could fairly
see you eyes and feel your touch"
"Your letters were wonderful. too"
she replied, "and I always read them
during my idle hour"
"Your idle hour" he repeated
th~oughtfully, "Gladys. you will never
realize our vast amount of work In
your idle hour"
-sTt was mere pleasure for me-" she
answered, sand 1 have never been so
happy as I was during those hours"
: 81 still want you to be happy, Gladys,
but don't you think you might spend
l.- E.. -lnuAor NTH mn In o1r