The evening Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1918-1920, 1919-10-27

LITTLE SISTER
ey ETHEL M. r. ARmER.


roadster. 1t seemed only a minute be-
fore she had waved goodby and had
disappeared from view.
1t was one of those glorious morn
ings in early April, when the sun
shone exceptionally bright and the sky
seemed exceptionally clear, but a
slight frown passed over Mary AIMS
face as she slowly retraced her steps
to her home and to a bag of unfinished
darning. Virginia's last words kept
running through her mind.
'Of course you know that Kenneth
receives his discharge tomorrow and
we are all going to meet the train"
she had said.
Mary Ann was delighted to know
that her neighbor was coming home
but the village rumors which were
circulated troubled her. She wondered
if Virginia's hope chest" was really
filled to overlooking and IL she had
really bought material for a wedding
gown. She did not blame Kenneth If
it were true, for Virginia was the
prettiest and richest girl in the village.
Yet all the villagers knew and loved
Mary Ann, although it was quietly
agreed that she was far from good
looking. Every one called her Little
Sister, for she had always seemed like
q little sister to them all.
Mary AIMS frown soon changed into
a smile and she began to sing snatches
of songs, for she could eve scowl or
sigh very long. Then suddenly her
bag of work fell to the floor with a
thud and she ran eagerly out of the
door and down the narrow, cobbled
path. She was just in time to throw
open the gate for an elderly man who
was leaning heavily on his can as he
walked along.
How is dad after his walk this
lovely morning?" She asked cheer
fully.
''Fine," he replied. but a little
tired"
He rested his hand for a moment on
her shoulder and smiled at her solicit
tude.
do not worry" he assured her, II
am better. Did you know that IL
neighbor was coming tomorrow" he
asked suddenly, land the village is
planning a hearty welcome? You must
be sure t. be at the station when he
comes"
Her eyes sparkled and her voice was
eager when she spoke.
81 will go if you are all right"
"Of course you will go, because ]
will he all right" and he laughed n
deep, rich laugh, for he thought of the
happy reunion of his dearly beloved
daughter and her old schoolmate. He
knew how she had watched the papers
with great anxiety while he was in
the trenches, and how she had waited
with great anticipation and expecta-
tions for his homecoming.
1t was no wonder that n deep flush
PASSED over Little Sisters" face when
her father said teasinsly: Il suppose
You and Kenneth will soon be hunting
up your old Fairgrounds"
The next day dawned clear and
beautiful and the air seemed charged
with enthusiasm and excitement. The
quaint little village was gayly deco
rated with flags and bunting and
strains from the band filled the air.
in their last attempt to have a good
rehearsal before the train arrived.
Se~lf-satisfed Virginia sat alone in
her car, waiting for the parade to
start. She seemed more dignified and
prouder than ever as she watched the
moving mass with great contempt. She
seemed pleased to think that she was
unmoved and unexcited and only Won
dered If Kenenth would like her new
silk dress and jaunty black hat.
But where was Little Sister,"
Many searched the crowds for her, for
she was one Of the people who was
always missed. But the long parade
started for the station without her.
She stood alone at the door of her
home and watched the cheering crowd
move along. Her father was sick and
she dared not leave him alone.
When the train whistled in the dis"
lance, the crowd of welcomers moved
with one accord nearer the tracks, and
the band began its music. All eyes
scanned the doors and windows Of the
train as it stopped and the travellers
began to climb off. At last Kenneth
was spied and they rushed to him.
Then the people gave cheer after
cheer while Kenneth was being trans
ferred from the train to the top of a
large baggage truck, where he was to
give a speech.
He seemed to be in excellent spirits
and told them about many of his eX-
periences. His ankle had been injured
in one of the battles and 1t would be
a lone time before he could walk with
out crutches, but his cheerful smile
showed them that he was glad that he
was able to do his bit for his country.
After the great festivities were over
the returning hero raped at his old
playmate's and neighbours door. He
could hardly wait until the door was
flung open and Mary Ann rushed joy
fully out to greet him.
little Sister, smiled c~ontentedly
when he told her the story of his life
overseas. And all this time another
girl was sitting sedately in her parlor