The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-08-11
EVENING STORY
The Return.
BY ALTON d. SPENCE

Vile Gazette" Her gaze fell upon
q picture of Homer Preston, a Grand
willie boy who that day had returned
from the war. The article srecited
some of his gallant deeds. told of his
being gassed. and announced that he
would resume his old position at the
Granville State Bank.
| Molly dropped the paper and her
mind wandered back two years to the
day when Homer bade her goodbye
and left to do his share in the great
war. She became reminiscent.
| Three years previous to his depart
ure Homer had met Molly at a church
social. Gradually their friendship
grew. and It became Grandville gossip
that the young bank clerk had as
sumed the lead in the conquest for
Molly's hand. To all appearances the
gossips were correct, and neither
Molly nor Homer made any pretense
at denial. He went with her to church,
took her TO the theater occasionally,
and was welcome guest at her home.
| Shortly after the United States en-
tered the war he called at her home.
After the usual greetings and chatter
Of the days doings Homer's face grew
solemn.
Molly" he began, ''this country of
ours has big fight on its hands. 1t
| needs men. and needs them quick.
| Every man who has his health ought
to get in and help clean this job up.
I've got health and
You're not going to enlist. are
your" broke in Mollie. excitedly.
NO, I'm not going to. I have"
"Homer!"
Yes, 1 Joined up today and leave
for camp tomorrow"
But, Homer, you ought to-"
Il know what you're going to say.
You've said 1t right along. 1 ought
to wait until all the buns and idlers
| have gone. But waiting for them isn't
going to win the war. Anyway, pro-
testing will do no good now. I've
signed up"
Molly's small white fingers stole to
Homer's wrist and crept down into
his warm hand.
Forgive me, Homer. I'm selfish,
I know. 1 have thought only of my
] going away. We have such good times
I together. But 1 know you are right.
| The country needs real men like you.
| You'll forgive me for trying to keep
you here. won't you? I'm going to
| be a real patriot from now on. I'll
| help the Red Cross and do my share
like real soldier"
II could forgive you anything. Mol
| ly. I knew you were a patriot at
heart. And TO know that you are do
ing your part here will be an inspira-
ton TO me when I get over there.
And when get back"
"Yes?"
| "Well. perhaps I should wait until
I do come back before say IT.
| Before he left they both promised
| faithfully to write often. Lick the
| Germans quick and hurry home!"
Molly called as Homer went thru the
front gate and swung up the street.
| Aye, Mollyir he replied.
Molly recalled it all wildly as she
sat in the big chair and gazed at the
paper which had fallen to the floor
with Homer's picture right-side up.
She recalled also how they had
written letters frequently while Ho-
mer was in camp, the thrill she had
felt when she learned he had reached
| France safely. She recalled further
how their letters gradually grew
shorter and less impassiored. how
| finally no letters were exchanged.
And she recalled how James Brad
son, an attorney, had gradually come
into her life and filled a vacant spot.
| Bra dson had tried to get into the
army but weak eyes had prevented it.
He was an ardent war worker, how
| ever, made four-minute addresses,
pushed war stamp sales. and did what
he could in every way to back the
country's war program. Molly had
been true to her promise to be a real
| patriot. Her acquaintance and friend
! ship with Bradson had been an out
| growth of their war work. Together
| they had planned various wartime
| stunts" and had been successful with
| them Gradually love entered and
| they were married.
ct can't face Homer" she pondered
| Il know he was going to ask me to
marry him when he came back" Then
she tried to find solace in the fact that
Homer had stopped writing to her
! Perhaps l should have told him be-
| fore he went away that 1 didn't love
didn't ask me and 1 couldn't tell him
without his asking. 1 hate to break
the poor boys heart. but-shucks!
Maybe my worry is all for nothing
Maybe he doesn't care anything for
me-"
Suddenly remembering that she
must go to market before dinner.
Molly donned her wraps and hurried
out. AS she turned the corner she
heard a familiar voice call "MoIlyi"
Her heart seemed 20 stop as she
turned to see Homer running up to
greet her. He seized her hands and
shook them vigorously. lawfully glad
to see you. Molly" he explained
I'm glad to see you. too. Homer"
replied Molly slowly. wondering how
she could explain about her marriage
without seeming creul. Perhaps he
Knew she tnOugnt. out no. ne wouldn't
greet her that way IL he knew.
1--WE got something to talk to you
about" said Homer thoughtfully.
Molly caught her breath. Was he
going to say what he started to say
when he bade her goodbye that day !?
How could she stop him and break the
news to him gently?
mot so fast. Homer. Let me get
my breath. You surprised me so.''
Perhaps you guess what II is I'm
going to talk about" said Homer
slowly.
I'm affaid do. But have some
thing to talk to you about, too
Homer looked puzzled and Molly
went on. 81 wish I knew how to tee
you in the right way-so you would
understand. l don't want you to feel
badly II 1 could-well. may as well
s.Married?" For a moment Homer