The Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 191?-19??, 1919-10-18

1t were true, for Virginia was the
prettiest and richest girl in the village.
Yet all the villagers knew and loved
Mary Ann, although 1t was quietly
agreed that she was far from goo6
looking. Every one called her little
Sister" for she had always seemed like
little sister to them all.
Mary AIMS frown soon changed into
smile and she began to sing snatches
of songs, for she could never scowl or
sigh very long, Then suddenly her
bag of work fell to the floor with a
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 a little
tired"
He rested his hand for a moment on
her shoulder and smiled at her solicit
tude.
do not worry" he assured her, 81
am better. Did you know that our
: neighbOr was coming tomorrow" he
: asked suddenly, land the village is
: planning hearty welcome? You must
be sure to be at the station when he
: comes"
Her eyes sparkled ard her voice was
eager when she spoke.
Il will go if you are all right"
"Of course you will go, because /
g will be all right" and he laughed a
deep, rich laugh, for he thought Of the
t happy reunion of his dearly beloved
t daughter and her old schoolmate. he
n knew how she had watched the papers
; with great anxiety while he was In
e the trenches, and how she had waited
0 with great anticipation and expecta'
/ tons for his homecoming.
1t was no wonder that deep flush
passed over little Sisters" face when
her father said teasingly: II suppose
: you and Kenneth will soon be hunting
, up your old playgroundsT
The next day dawned clear and
! beautiful and the air seemed charged
: with enthusiasm and excitement. The
. quaint little village was gayly deco
V rated with flags and bunting and
Il strains from the band filled the aiS
I In their last attempt to have a gooC
d rehearsal before the train arrived
. Self-satisfed Virginia sat alone il
i her car, waiting for the parade t.
j start She seemed more dignified anC
prouder than ever as she watched the
moving mass with great contempt. Sht
!. seemed pleased to think that she was
p unmoved and unexcited and only won
n dered if Kenenth would like her new
.. silk dress and jaunty black hat.
+, But where was "Little Sister,
% Many searched the crowds for her, fol
D. she was one IS the people who was
n always missed. But the long parade
s started for the station without her.
She stood alone at the door of her
e home and watched the cheering crowd
+ move along. Her father was sick and
If she dared not leave him alone.
lc When the train whistled in the dis
le lance, the crowd of welcomers. moved
IS with one accord,nearer the tracks, and
i the band began, its music. All eyes
" scanned the doors and windows of the
&c train as it stopped and the travellers
T., began to climb off At last Kenneth
s, was spied and they rushed to him.
d, Then the people gave cheer after
II cheer while Kenneth was being trans
ferred from the train to the top of
large baggage truck, where he was t
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 it would b'
long time before he could walk with
out crutches, but his cheerful smile
showed them that he was glad that h
e was able to do his bit for his country
e After the great festivities were ovel
y the returning hero rapped at his OLE
L playmate's and neighbOr's door. H'
y could hardly wait until the door wal
e flung open and Mary Ann rushed joy
fully out to greet him.
Little Sister" smiled contentedl!
- when he told her the story of his lif'
n overseas. And all this time anothe
girl was sitting sedately in her parlo
waiting for her gentleman caller" 1
she had happened to walk by certain
humble, little cottage, she would hav'
seen two old playmates reunited.
A few months later a very prett,
wedding ceremony was performe'
when certain Little Sister" wa
made Little Wife," but the "villag
Belle" was not present
Copyright, 1918, Mcclure Newspaper syn