The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1919-11-14
PEGS SACRIFICE
BY MARGARET WILDER.

out the tangled curly hair, singing TO
herself. Tonight, oh, what fun That
great big marvellous dance she had
looked forward to for the last three
weeks was really about to Happen"
Before her on chair lay the blue
evening dress and slippers, and they
actually seemed to match her shining
eyes.
"Oh, mamma" she cried, ms the door
opened, I'm just crazy to go-why-
why mamma, what is it?"
Surprise and alarm were mingled In
Peggy's voice. Her mother, sweet and
young looking, came to her daughters
side and put her arm around Peggy's
waist.
Darling, II can hardly tell you.
oh, Peggy, what IL should ask you
to give up that dance tonight?"
Peggy's eyes lost some of their glow.
"Why, maDma-what's happenedT
She managed TO say.
Mrs. Palmer's voice broke little.
''Your Aunt Alice is Ill out in Chi.
from Uncle Jack, and he wants me to
come there tonight. And-and-you
know, Peg, l can't leave a two-year-
old baby alone in the house and since
he is not well anyway, hate to en-
trust him to a neighbor. yet hate
Peg, I hate to keep you home!"
Peggys heart seemed to Be sinking
within her, but her sweet lips turned
and, smiled at her mothers wistful
face.
Run right along, mamma. OF course
1Istay with Bob Boy. Give my love
to Aunt Alice, and just make her get
WELL Probably knowing you are near
will do her more good than any
amount Of medicine"
Mrs. Palmer kissed her daughter
several times, and Peggy understood
The deep sympathy and appreciation
which her dear little mother could not
express in words,
AT eight O'clock that night all was
still in the Palmer house. Peggy sat
by little Bob Boys crib, musing. The
music was starting now, she knew. She
could picture the orchestra jaZzing
away at their many different instru.
ments, and she wondered what the
girls We're wearing, and how pretty
they locked.
Bob Boy was sleeping peacefully.
Peggy's mother heart went out to her
tiny brother, and she was glad hun
dred times over that she had stayed
with him, instead of leaving such a
warm little bundle with some careless
neighbor. But she could not help that
dull ache In her heart. In spite Of
everything, but not tear passed her
eyes.
An hour dragged by, and the house
was still as mouse. Peggy leaned
over her little brother and kissed him,
Strengthened the cool sheet under his
pink chin and then tip-toed quietly
down the stairs. She went to the par
lor window and looked out. What a
night! A glorious moon hung low In
the sky and every little star twinkled
and flirted with her, as If trying to en-
tice her out into the night. AS she
looked she saw tall, slender soldier
boy limping along the sidewalk. She
rested her head against the window
sash and her thoughts flew back over
the space of whole year. She, too,
had had soldier boy. but he had not
been her sweetheart. They had not
known. each other long enough for that.
Yet why had she watched the papers
for every battle fought, In hopes OF
seeing his name, and why had she felt
that stab of keen disappointment when
the postman had failed to bring even
one of those longed-for letters? She
was watching the limping soldier as
he approached with dreamy, wistfu
eyes, and not until he had actually
turned and came up her front steps
did she realize the truth. She heard
the bell as in dream; then the color
rushed into her face. and she went
quickly to the door.
The boy entered and looked intently
into Pegs flushed face.
Peggy Are you surprised?'
His voice was eager as he awaited
her reply. Peggy couldn't speak. She
didn't trust herself just therk
He continued: II hope you dom,
mind my running in this way. Oul
ship arrived this afternoon. / have Q
day or so to 60 home in before leave
for camp. My ticket is for the one
o'clock train tonight"
Peggy suddenly took his big hand IL
hers.
ROY, why didn't you write ever"
Because" replied Roy slowly, jus
one little girls image has been In my
mind for this past year--it was yours
Peg--I didn't believe you cared-so-
SOL was afraid to write for fear II
say too much" M
Suddenly Peg was In his arms. ~
.You--never, never could say to,
muchl' She was half-laughIng, half
sobbing. M
Late that night after Roy had lef