Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-03-21
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,,
LOYAL HEARTS
By Mary T. Nolan

Supper over, the three arose.
Mrs. Bell excused herself and said she
would be back in jiffy.
After five minutes she reappeared
looking as II she were highly pleased
about something. A blue suit hung limp
over her left arm and surmounting 1t
was black felt hat with stiff round
brim and gold cord with two gold tas.
sells. barpin. with the letters G. A. r
thereon, in bronze, spoke Of the owners
| valor and patriotism. =
you will want these tomorrow, pa"
she said, smoothing wrinkle in the
coatsleeVe, having placed the hat on a
| chair.
| The old G. A. R man was SO pleased
with his wifes thoughtful act that he
was lost for a moment as to how to ex-
After a while he said: well, ma, I
hadn't exactly figured on wearing my
uniform. but since you've been good
saensh seems ike fS sat e Wess II 0at m It gladly
don't 1t. sweetheart"
It was rather early the next morning
that the veteran, holding himself as erece
as MS years would permit, and with a.
sihdarming sidn laughing young lady at his
tion and surprised the ticket agent when
he ordered two tickets for Boston.
WHAT'S going on there--a parade?"
quizzed the man behind the window
passing out the tickets. He couldn't re-
call selling ticket to Tom Bell since
he got the job. fifteen years or more ago
IT maynt be reglar out and out
not relshing the grin on the others
babylike face. but there's goin' to be {.
fne lot Of brave young fellers there
Just the kind like to be with"
In the letter that Lilly had received
and which was the reason for her father
deciding on this trip, Tom Elton wrote
he would stay at a certain social center
TOT returning soldiers and. toward noon.
arn1
friendly doorway of this handsome
building.
~ The desk clerk looked in the register.
ping there. If the lady and gentleman
would kindly wait moment he would
have Mr.. Elton located and brought to
them.
1t was not over three minutes when
the big, ruddy soldier, in his overseas
uniform, came hurrying. hands out
stretched; etc to to where his friends sat.
"Of all the surprises p he exclaimed,
taking Liily's hand in his and holding
It thrilling second. "And Mr.. Bell
Why, how young you're getting!" as ne
grasped that old gentleman's thin. shaky
hand. And how Is dear Mother Bell?
Well, hope! Does she still make those
big, juicy mince pies? Zum-zum They
were the best ever"
The pleased father caught the re-
makes Just as good ones. why not re-
turn today with us perhaps wen have
some for supper?"
'Td be happy to-" eagerly assented
the young soldier, providing your
daughter will let me cut and serve IT,"
A few days later, as all were sitting
In the little parlor of the Bell home
there was announced certain promise
that Lilly had made to Tom before no
sailed overseas. And now that gallant
young sergeant had reminded Lilly OF
their mutual agreement. 81
The parents smiled upon the fine-
looking couple and said they felt In
their hearts that they would go through
life together as serenely and lovingly
as did Pa and Ma Bell.
Then the right hands OF the old white
haired sergeant and the young sergeant
elapsed reassuringly, while mother and
Lilly were standing a bit Off. locking
with loving eyes upon the two loyal
men.
1hs ssy sseplsss ssvslstss-5eAs m