Deming graphic. (Deming, N.M.) 1903-1948, 1919-09-16
UH
Canteen Angel
b. JACK LAYTON

1
II was a desolats French village
Alled with the horror OF war. and to-
ward the American canteen khaki-clad
soldiers turned their weary faces with
all the eagsrness Of homecoming.
There they would and cheer and rest
and warm refreshment. greater per-
haps than these. the dear familiar well
come OF an American girls smile.
Over the seas they had come. these
bright-facsd girls. into the very realm
Of danger Ii order that they might
serve In willing hslpfulnesz the brave
boys who would sacrifice all. Like
children were these lonely fellows with
their condolences. their hunger for
sympathy-which Angela was always
ready to give.
Back in her own fortunate land the
favored girl had known no lack Of COM
fort or luxury; her friends had mar
vsled at her renunciation as she babe
them smilingly good-by; and here In
France Angela had learned what II
meant to be worn with labor. cold too,
In these mornings Of early rising. but
she had not lost the smile which
charmed many.
Now the smile was different, some
way, with q sort Of tenderness In
place Of its coquetry. The line Of
hungry waiting men singled her out
from the helpers. seeming to feel In
stinctively her kindly understanding
Many stories Of tragedy and pathos
Angela learned from men whose out
ward lives were all bravado. So,
among themselves. they came to call
her "Ths Angel" "The Cantsen Angel"
and Angela hearing Of It. smiled again.
Tonight her blue eyes sought visit
fully for Bob's coming. Bob had won
also the interest Of the secretary.
Something besides anxiety Of war
10 fretting that man." she said.
Yet he alone, Of all her big protsges.
had brought 10 her no condolences. A
hopeless, patient expression seemed to
be stamping itself upon his formerly
joyous countsnance. The change
grieved Angela more than she could
tell-she must find way to help him.
Now she turned her head as he
came slowly through the doorway, and
q dancing tendril Of shining hair
slipped Just below her ear. II was
a pretty little curl. but then Angela
was pretty altogether.
A big soldier before her grinned de-
lightedly.
After ysu bring the chocolate,
Angel" he said, "rvs some photos
from home to show you"
From homer smiled Angela, show
nice"
When Bob reached her side the room
was almost empty. She motioned him
to q chair near by.
~when anything troubles me-" sug.
gested Angela. and the kindness Of her
gaze bslisd her merry tone, ut helps
me wonderfully to talk II over with .
friend"
"Are you q friendr Bob asked alb
:, ruptly.
Angela nodded.
That" she answered quietly. 'Ts
why an here"
Ny own trouble" Bob said bitterly
''is merely an experience which comes.
I dare say. 70 many. Only" he
laughed shortly. "this was rather =
hard time TO rub the experience In.
Goes By an old-fashionsd name, be-
iisvs of--bsing disappointed In love-"
yea" prompted Angela, the usual
gay thrill In her voice was lacking.
"0irl I was engaged to before came
over has broken the thing on" said
Bob. Broken II OF rather definitely,
for she has married my best friend.
Some minor affilction made him sx-
smpt frsm service. II will all be more
--bslisvable-after q time I suppose.
The difiicult thing now seems to be to
get used to the idea.
"she's been Jollying me along all the
time, you see. with letters--the kind Of
letters q girl writes when you're the
only one. And Jim. well. he hasn't let
q lifelong friendship deter him from
using the advantage Of my absence.
It's sort Of double blow. When the
hrst shock wears Of"
"why. you must not take our woes
90 to heart" he said. "You are as
white ~ paper. I'm sorry ] told you"
I'm not" Angela replied. "A girl
a. faithless az that 10 not worth
even remembering. Do you know what
I am going to dor her eyes challenged
him-'Tm going to try to help you for
get her"
With her sudscious little laugh the
pretty color came flooding back to her
cheeks.
"Ysu must come here as often a.
you can. All my amusing incidents
shall save for your entertainment.
We win have songs In our spare mo-
msnts. we win all be cheerful. We
must not let the memory Of one fool
Ism, selfish sorrow interfere with our
great present. For 1t is greatl" In
sisted Angela.
"You and I and the rest Of us here
are making history. Bob-worid his
terry"
tfw. a---f--Ao. -. - .-.u l..