Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-21
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
ASHES
BY Eleanor C. Kenyon

THE slow ticking of the old-fashioned
L clock was the only sound that broke
the stiffness In the living room ut the
home Of Amos Chester.
Marion. his only daughter and house,
keeper. was seated comfortably in the
big armchair, glancing over the daily
papers, and a look of resentment now
n then stole over her usually placid
face as she glanced at the sleeping fg-
ure OF her father. Tonight the paper
held little attraction for her. The pages
which she had always found SO Inter-
esting and enjoyable were passed light
" over. The day had been a rather
dull one--the overhanging clouds Of the
past few lays were the harbingers OF
the storm that had now settled, and
the wind. increasing in velocity, had
made indoors a safe haven.
After her father had retired, Marion
setled herself before the open crate.
spd thsrs the s, tiny flames leaping here
Stunning the great pieces of wood which
were fed to the fiery monster. Just so
our dreams end In ashes-and ashes of
resret, most OF them she said aloud,
to be devoured. "
How unjust 1t all was-the boys had
an married and had homes Of their
own while sheIbut she must not bring
" sbo o<sAiCo ttaI Ahu 6luInO0IGQ
80 lon and. brushing away the tears
2 a came to her eyes,. she drew her
cnalr more closely to the cracking
anne and. lowering the light. gave
The heat from the IRE. coupled with
the stiffness of the room, made her
drowsy, and she was soon wrapped in
the arms Of Morpheus.
The smiling face of DR.. Bruce peered
rom the rudy glow; his arms OF well
Cohhc were stretched toward her, and
the lips that had uttered denunciations
we re now beading her forgiveness.
gong from one cot to another. giving
help. and cheer to the boys who had 40
freely given their all. -
her the fire that had burned SO Sri1shsto,
dream the realization Of which was part
or the happy past, was ended.
Inc shutter liked. she made prepara-
tons to retire. Sleep could not be
wooed, and from the darkness imagi-
nary figures arose before her. That
and then the other. for whose safety
her lips had remained sealed.
The morning had a new dawnins-the
terrific wind had abated and the sky
Of pink touches. and .peeping. from the
east was the sun, glorious In its re-
freshed beauty. -.
picture a new hope reviyed within her.
Cheerily she commenced her househoId
tasks. and now and then snatches Of a
song OF other days arose from her Inns.
A violent pull at the bell startled her.
and, rushing to the door. she found
herself gazing at the face of her dream.
DR.. Bruce. Bereft Of speech. welcome
and gladness portrayed themselves ON
her face. and DR.. Bruce knew that none
had usurped the place that had been
In the past 30 dear to him.
Leading the way to the room where
she had dreamed Of this happiness.
which had now become a reality. a soft
past was forgotten In the Joy OF the
present as she listened once again Ia
the voice of bygone days. He told her
how he had arrived the night before
and came over the Dad In a comrade,s
car, SO anxious vas he to ask her for
Elveness Of the past. He spoke of his
wandering after he day he thought her
false to him how he had offered his
services to his country; Of his work
over there he told her of meeting heI
cousin, from whom he had heard the
whole story. How she had shielded hin
for his mothers sake--and had suffered
OVERWHELMINGLY all these years. -
Marion, dear. can you ever forgive
met ~
ever doubling you" but her hand wal
placed gently on his lips . with a face
radiant with happiness she nestled closs
beside him and whispered. Yes. Jack
and VIZ each have done our part"
The asxt esnplsts nsvslsus--<
Change ~ u1eed~