The Pulaskian., 1919-09-26
Observation-Disclosures
LITTLE SISTER
BY ETHEL M. FARMER.


SeIue nerSeiJ cOmIOFlaDly III ner n2W
roadster. II seemed only minute be-
fore she had waved goodby and lad
disappeared from view.
It was one of those glorious morn-
ings In early April when the stan
shone exceptionally bright and the sky
seemed exceptionally clear but
slight frown passed over Mary AIMS
face as she slowly retraeed her steps
to her home and TO 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 II she had
really bought material for wedtkRg
gown. She did not blame Kennels If
1t were true, for Virginia was she
prettiest and richest girl In the village.
Yet all the villagers knew and lsved
Mary Ann. although it was quietly
agreed that she was far from Eooa
looking. Every one called her Little
Sister" for she had always seemed AXE
a little sister to them all.
Mary AIMS frown soon changed kmto
smile and she began to sing snateAes
of songs. for she could never scowi or
sigh very long. Then suddenly her
bag~of work fell to the floor wiz
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 cane as he
walked along.
"How is dad after his walk this
lovely morning?" She asked cheer
fully
Fine" he replied. but httIe
tired"
He rested his hand for a moment on
her shoulder and smiled at her soiici-
tude.
DO not worry" he assured her. II
am better. Did you know that eur
neighbor was coming tomorrow he
asked suddenly, "and the village is
planning hearty welcome? You must
be sure to be at the station when ne
comes"
Her eyes sparkled and her voice was
eager when she spoke
II will go if you are all right"
"Of course you will co. because
will be all right" and he laughea a
deep. rich laugh, for he thought Of the
happy reunion of his dearly believed
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 ~aited
with great anticipation and expeota-
tions for his homecoming.
1t was no wonder that deep a~sh
passed over Little Sisters" face vixen
her father said teasingy: II suppose
you and Kenneth will soon be hum4<ng
'up your old fairgrounds"
The next day dawned clear snd
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 cir.
in their last attempt to have good
rehearsal before the train arrived.
Self-satisfied Virginia sat alone In
her car, waiting for the parade to
start. She seemed more dignfiea sud
prouder than ever as she watched the
moving mass with great contempt. 91e
seemed pleased to think that she x2s
unmoved and unexcited and only wen
dered If Kenenth would like her new
silk dress and jaunty black hat.
But where was Little Sister2"
Many searched the crowds for her. tar
she was one of the people who wzs
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
SCullltu lilt hOOlo anu Wiu0OWc vi THO
train as 1t 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 q
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
long 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