The Clio messenger., 1919-03-27
BEHIND The CLOUDS
BY CHARLOTTE LONG.
| Copyright, 1919. by tie Mcclure Newspa-
| per Syndicate)


Thus spoke voice rather severely In
Margaret's ear. "Really," 1T continued,
"you ought to be ashamed! You
haven't taken one bit of interest in
anything since John Stevens went
away ten years ago. Then you were
the belle of the town, Margaret, and
now at thirty-twO look at you! Sup
posing he should come back suddenly;
do you think he would be pleased with
the present appearance Of the girl he
used to know?"
"Mary, you're my sister; suppose
you have right to say such things"
returned Margaret wearily, although
the bright color famed in the usually
pale cheeks. "JOhn and i loved each
other, and If only l knew what sent
him away without word" Don't
say any more about it," broke in
Mary. 81 know it's been hard, but You
haven't done thing to make II. easier
You must begin now to put the past
behind you. Come down to the church
tonight-there's fair, you know-and
help me in the apron booth. Wear
something besides black and gray-and
smile, too; and now l warn you, IL
you fail to come l shan't trouble you
again for long time"
Mary hustled out rather noisily leav-
ing Margaret alone with her thoughts.
Her sisters words had stung, and re-
sentiment burned in her breast.
Choosing simple white dress or
soft, clinging material, she looked very
lovely as she adjusted the last fold;
but the pink in her cheeks cried aloud
for a touch of blue. Opening bureau
she deftly fashioned a girdle for
her slim waist, and with Il pink rose
plucked fresh from the rose vine out
side her window, she made her way to
the church. Divested of her wrap,
Mary came rushing towards her.
"Margaret, is it you!' she exclaimed.
"You look like a dream" Soon they
were stationed behind n mass of aprons
of all sizes and descriptions, and Mar
garet was soon busy, and interested,
too. Presently stranger entered the
church vestry. Almost as soon as
Margaret had caught sight of him,
Mary nudged her and said: Look
Margaret, there is Mark Andrews.
He's been away for years. Poor fell
low! he looks sick. How determined
he once was to marry you" Here
customer claimed Mary's attention,
much to MargareLs relief.
Sure enough, it was Mark-he was
coming towards her now. After a
hand-shake and brief conversation
with the two sisters, he disappeared;
but when the evening was over and
Mary and Margaret We're ready to go
home, they were surprised to find him
waiting outside the door.
81 have something to say to you,
Margaret" he said in low tone. Il
have no objection to Mary's hearing 1t.
will tell you as we walk back over the
old road where years ago we all
romped and played together on our
way to school. You would always let
me carry your books, Margaret, when
John wasn't there" he said, as they
started forth. "and the idea got stuck
in my boyish brain that If he wasn't
around at all / might always have the
pleasure of serving the little girl Of my
choice. That idea grew with the
years, and while outwardly John and
seemed friends, no one knows how I
lOnged for clear field in which to
press my suit with you.
1T was the winter that Johns uncle
In the West came home for a visit that
lost all hope and began to get NOR
bid. l could see the love growing
steadily between you two, and my
heart was as icy In those days as the
frozen millpond where we used to
skate. l was walking home one eve
ming when John overlook me. 'HellOl
Mark he said. How would you like
to go West on short notice with Uncle
BillT His uncle had received tele-
gram calling him back at once, and he .
wanted some young man to go along
with him. John had refused to con-
slider gOing-yOu can guess why. Hc
was on his way then To you. Marga-
ret. Then and there I played my last
card. NO. / told him. Il don't care
W ~ NtSt bt pItScut. MuTpuTet HitS
promised to marry me, and our plans
for the future are still unsettled John
was too honest TO suspect deceit in an
old friend. With white lips he asked,
is that true, MarkT and when / as
sured him that 1t was, he simply said,
'Good-by, old chap, and the best OF
luck to you both. go West tonight
with my Uncle BILL L tried hard
enough to win YOU after that. Marga-
ret, but / am glad now that I failed,
and at this late hour I am trying to
make what reparation 1 can. Before
John sailed for France told him all,
and when he comes back he'll come
straight to you. lie has never ceased
to love you; nor have lit has been
my punishment" He turned abruptly
and was gone.
Margaret was weeping softly in her
own little home when her sister final
ly bade her goodnight but they were