The patriot. [volume] (Indiana, Pa.) 1914-1955, 1919-04-19
Lucille S Cousin
By HELEN W. HERRICK
Copyright, 191S by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate)

Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate)
Lucille, it's time you finished that
sweater for Jack Winthrop; you've
been working on it fully three months,
and Jack goes to France within two
weeks"
Mrs. Whitney addressed her pretty
but slightly spoiled daughter, who was
comfortably settled in a couch ham,
mock with book and box of choco-
lates.
"Well, mother, I'm glad you are so
very enthusiastic over Jack Winthrop.
For my part, am not in the least in
terested in an old cousin Of yours who
is such a distant relative that you
couldn't trace the connection with a
six-foot pole. I do not intend to fin
ish that sweater, so thereW
Whereupon Lucille arose from her
seat, and with a decisive nod Of her
fluffy brown head, accompanied by
flash of her big brown eyes, she
bounced down the steps toward the
street.
"What shall I do with that childT
thought her mother as she watched the
attractive girlish figure disappear down
the street. "She has had her own way
so long that she is becoming quite stub
born.
'1 suppose / ought to have told her
that Jack is coming for a brief visit
before going across but she seems so
disinterested in him that 1t would only
make matters worse to tell her. He is
such fine looking chap, too. I'll bet
she changes her mind when she sees
him."
While Lucille's mother was turning
matters over in her mind, Lucille was
likewise turning a few over in hers.
"Just imagine! Why I've never seen
the fellow in my life. Why is it that
mother thinks / should care anything
about him? Likely as not he's as home
ly as a hedge fence. If only he
My! What fine looking soldier - Luz
cille almost exclaimed aloud as tall,
nicely built officer swung into view.
Gracious! | hope l lodk all right
I'd like to make a good impression"
AS he drew nearer she remarked under
her breath: "If Jack Winthrop looks
anything like him, I'll finish that
sweater in a jiffy. wonder if
Heavens !" she thought. 'Ts he talking
to me? Why-er-yes. This is Smith
field avenue" she stanmered to his
question.
Gould you tell me where Mrs. Rob
ert Whitney lives?" the handsome SOL
der asked, tipping his hat. 81 believe
the number is 259. I'm Jack Winthrop,
and Why, what is the troubleT
"Jack Winthrop" Lucille fairly
screamed. "Well, isn't this the fun
niest? I'm Lucille Whitney, and I'm
real glad to see you," she said, ex-
tending her hand. "Come right home
mother will be delighted to see you.
You came rather unexpected, didn't
your"
mo, indeed" he answered, smiling.
I'm sure you mother expected me, for
I wrote her a letter saying that was
coming. I'm going across in two weeks
so I thought maybe she'd like to say
good-by to me. You know she is my
nearest relative, since mother died"
he added, with a catch in his voice.
Guilty thoughts of an unfinished
sweater flashed through Lucille's mind
as she studied Jacks bOyish figure
and tried to imagine the long, lonely
nights he had spent in camp without
a mothers cheerful and loving letters
Of encOura cement.
ITO be perfectly frank" Lucille be-
gan, 'Tve never been very anxious to
find out much about you Mother often
mentioned your name but l had no
idea as to what you looked Ike. /
must say you present a very striking
appearance in .vonr uniform"