South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-05-26

aren't as they used 10 be. People are
different-they have 10 be. l thought
/ hated you. Esther Price. and now
don't hate YOU at an"
Esther's eyes opened solemnly
oh Viola don't see why YOU
ever hated me"
Il suppose YOU mean YOU We're the
one 20 do the hating. snapped Nio-
Ia. ~ took Val Henry away from
you. and I'm wearing his ring But
If you think that's all there is 20
H. you're mistaken"
She spurned IN eddying cluster
Of dry leaves with the pointed toe
Of her high boot
When Val went away. / knew that
wasn't all there was 10 it, she con-
tiHued. Before that life was just
IA sort OF carnival for me You
know how I loved pleasure. Esther
And 1 could go and go. and never
tire"
Niolas voice took on a tone Of
unwonted kindness. I'm sorry I
hurt Your feelings. Esther But J
cared for Val Henry myself. He was
the only one 1 really cared for. And
you let him $3.50 easily"
Ii was Esther's fraiI form that
stiffened with pride now. and a ris-
ing blush warmed her features.
Love isn't like that 90 me. And
I'd rather not talk about it, Viola. q"
You should have seen Val in his
uniform. Such a soldier" Viola
swerved suddenly. speaking with ami
nation That's why / liked him.
He was so tall and straight, and
strong like me- But now Viola
paused but quickly responded to
the mute appeal Of Esther's alarmed
glance.
Hes living. yes. 1 got a letter
from him when he was in the hos
pit. but his right leg is gone And
when 1 heard they were going 10
take that and leave him a cripple
do YOU know what I cid. Esther
Price? l prayed that he would die
first"
Esther. regarding her in incredu-
lous horror. invOluntarily drew her
skirts away. Her pale face flamed
while her eyes glowed with righte-
Gus Indignation.
Viola Mellen-you prayed for
Vaps death? You did not want a
cripple returning TO claim you. And
YOU call that love-" Her gentle voice
was edged with fine scorn. "Oh. YOU
wanted him TO stay tall and straight,
and strong like you. What if he is
a cripple? All the more ne needs
Hot tears gushed TO her eyes and
she coughed systematically Viola
stared at her, inscrutably reflective
4 suppose you wouldn't feel that
way about IT, You think my love S
a pretty poor sort. But that's the
way / felt ] don't say I feel that
way now. But would YOU want the
man you loved. loved and was so
proud of.-to come back 20 you
broken and pitiful? Only half a
man, Esther"
Il shouldn't care if he was only
quarter a man. He'd be my man,
declared Esther with passionate in
tensity And l don't care if YOU
are wearing Val Henry's ring I love
him more at this moment than ever
befOre--because he is a cripple"
A look that was akin 20 awe soft
ened NiOlas harp. brilliant cOmli-
ness as she absorbed the fervor of
Esthers speech the exalted glow of
her delicate features.
Well, Esther. Val Henry isn't
cripple. They saved his leg. after
an. And he's home on leave. and
I'm waiting for him That's why I've
been watching the park gates" Nio-
la shrugged her shoulders uneasily
Il wanted 10 know how you would
take the news But there's another
thing Esther never took your
place with Val. never. He thought
YOU DIDN'T care enough. And when
he went away. there was something
on his mind-oh. I understood all
the time. Esther, there he is
Both girls sprang to their feet at
the same instant. their eyes upon
the solitary figure which was com
ing through the park gateway. IL
was a tall gaunt looking figure in
uniform, walking carefully with the
aid Of cane.
You see he is not quite well yet. %
said Viola, her voice strangely hus-
ky Esther. | want you to go and
meet him"
10" gasped the other girl.
Yes He was thinking OF YOU
when he went away Didn't tell
YOU I understood She gave the
other girl a little push Go meet
him, Esther. You viii know what
TO say 10 him.
But suppose YOU are wrong 90
stammered Esther 'I-are YOU
Go and meet him" Viola smiled
with a touch her old pertness. III
I'm wTOng-why. 1 shall be wait
ing here. You'u know what TO do.
Hurry. Esther He's going the 9th
CT way
once started. Esther flew ike one
Of he autumn leaves before the
wind Across the common. along
the winding path after a slow NOV
ing, limping form in khaki
The girl on the bench strained her
eyes after the two disappearing
forms They did not return. And.
after a while. she rose and walked
quickly away. stumbling because
Of the tears that blinded her