Carroll County democrat. (Huntingdon, Tenn.) 188?-1971, 1919-06-27
MARY,S SOLDIER
sy MARGUERITE /. BLUE.

IN one Of our Northern states WheEI
the mountains rise highest and stream
dow swiftest there lies securely hid
den from the world a tiny hamlet
On the last, most graceful curve d
the road leading from the town, OF
slightly raised ground, stood with
quiet superiority. a long, low comfort
ably modern bungalow.
1 Behind the guardians, Mrs. Marden
mistress Of the house and mother d
four healthy grown children, sat in I
low wicker rocker, knitting. Not quits
I forty, plump, and with sense Of hu
NOR, Mrs Marden surveyed life from
a safe and sane altitude, Now as she
sat, her face suddenly lighted and shs
smiled as she rose in greeting to hel
partner who was equally plump. q lie.
tie over forty, and with the same
sense Of humor.
Supper ready, motherT' he asked
with that intimacy which needs no ac-
acknowledgement Of meeting,
"Yes, wen sit right down. Come,
Mary and Dot she called to her first
and last born. "Come, boys" this last
to two boys just turned into serious
young manhood, recognized by care
fully tied neckties and perfectly
creased trousers. Supper is ready"
How could they know, quietly eating
their evening meal, that the great god
Mars had sent his dark cloud to hang
over America That Clotho, the distaft
holder, had snarled her golden threads
and only by breaking them could
her sister 90 on spinning.
Mother, mother, someone's coming
up the driver cried Dot, simultane-
Ously pushing back her chair, the rest
following her. "Why, it's Burt" from
fAther. "How do you do, Burti
You're just in time. We, were just
having supper
"0h, no." protested Burt; don't put
yourselves out for me-"
"No fear OF that" laughed Mrs Mar
den. Hastily another place was set,
ane the joviality increased.
SIN sorry folks, but I've something
to tell you people. You know my COM
ing up here tonight is rather unexpect-
ed. But you see, It's this way. I've
I've" he looked at Mary who was
waiting breathlessly, her fork poised
in the air. "T've enlisted and I've got
to leave tomorrow at four"
Mary lowered her fork to her plate.
What was this he said2 Could 1t be
true? He going. Actually going. Her
Burt. Mr.. Marden and the boys food
ed him with questions, Would they
never stop2 And finally, when the sup
per was over, they carried him off to
the cool piazza to ask more.
Mary wandered through the house
aimlessly, looking first through a win
dow at some distant scenery, then at
her flowers, which she loved and hl-
ways tried to keep in the house. AL
ways through hes mind the phrases
repeated themselves, "Can 1t be pos
siblel He Is really going" Finally
she seated herself at the piano and
played. She played well, but it made
her feel infinitely lonely.
1t was there that he found her. He
came in quietly and stood beside her.
1t seemed as II there was nothing to
be said.
MARY, 1t is very late You win wait
till come back, Maryf You must
wait"
EYES," she replied, i shall always
wait" He kissed her very gently.
.
Mary Marden walked slowly home
from the Red Cross club, knitting as
she walked. She had been rolling
bandages most Of the day and now she
was tired. The outlook on life had
changed very much for her.
"Mary, Mary, telegram" shouted
Dot, racing toward her.
"a telegram repeated Mary weak
IL. "WhereT'
"Bilrs got it." said Dot as If she
had impaired some important informa-
ton.
. "Billie, do hurry" from Mary. But
Billie, with exasperating slownesa
handed her all the rest of the mail be
fore he got to the telegram.
Mary tore Off one end Of the enve-
lope, not needing in her haste how
she got 1t off. Her hands trembled
30 that she could hardly unfold 1t.
"Why, whyr' she exclaimed. Hes
In this country and / never knew.
He'll probably be up here in a couple |
Of weeks. Come quick. Let's tell |
mother and father"
She was tired no longer. The birds
sang sweeter, the sky looked bluer,
The sun shone brighter as she hurried
toward the house.
The two weeks passed very quickly, |
,ut 1t was nearer four weeks late one
afternoon, while Mrs. Marden was
,rstllng about setting the table with |
hin china and sparkling glass for sup
Der, that Mr.. Marden came up the
rive with a tall, young soldier in
overseas uniform. The aroma Of new
= r,odo htscr;te 41lf.d tho housa not /