The patriot. (Glenmora, La.) 1918-1955, 1919-07-11
BY GRACE GoULDER.
with the American Y. w. c. A. Over
aeaSl

BY GRACE GoULDER.
with the American Y. w. c. A. Over
seas.)
Ceblenz, Germany,
March % (By Dfall)
1t happened right here in Coblenz
A big corporal came into the Y. W.
c. A. Hostess House and asked for the /
director, Miss Ruth Woodsmall, who
comes from Colorado springs, Colo.
"Could my mother stay here?" he
began at once, trying his best to cover
his excitement
"Your mother!" gasped Miss Wood
small. "How did your mother ever get
hereT
well, she isn't here yet, but IL She
comes will you keep herr"
"Of course I will, but"
She didn't finish, for the boy had
smashed his cap back on his head and
was out of the door on a run.
The corporars visit remained mys-
terry for two days. Then one evening
Just at dusk little white haired wo-
man dressed exquisitely In black ap-
peared in the sitting room Of the Host
ess House, and the corporal was hover
ing behind her, trying to be beside her
and back of her and in front Of her
all at once He was carrying her
ooat-a big fur one. With them werc-
three doughboys. pals of the corporal.
They tried to keep N the background
but their eyes were glued on her face.
Everyone in the sitting room sat at
attention. There are no Engfislh
speaking men or women out Of uni.
form in the Third Army area. Yet
here was a woman in civilian clothes
Mothers are unheard of with the army.
But this was mother. everyone knew.
After awhile someone found onE
about this mother.
Had Eeen informed During War.
She and her husband, who were
born in Germany, but had been nat
uralized, lived in San Francisco. Be-
fore the war they left for Weisbaden.
Germany, that their invalid daughter
might have treatment at this famous.
health resort.
They brought their other children
with them. One was Walter, a small
hoy. and the other was Ralph, now
Corporal Stepp of the American Army.
When the war was declared they
sent Ralph back to America, because
he was of military age. and they did
not want him to fight for the kaiser.
Then America, entered the war
Mrs. Stepp-Mrs. Anna Stepp she 10:
told this part of the story:
Until month ago ! hadn't heard
from Ralph for two years and q half
even before America got in the war
mail was held UP. didn't know
whether he was in the army or not
but I was sure he was, because-well.
because he Is an American" Here
she stopped q minute to smile up at
him.
After awhile we heard from some
friends,that he was In the army-and
that he had come over here. That wax=
all ever knew. It's nearly FIVE years
since I have seen him!
'of' course 1t was awfuliy harti-f
couldn't get word to him and he
couldn't to me-. NY husband used to-
tell me It wouldn't help Ralph any for
me To cry. tried not to-before the
rest 6f them anyway. Ny daughter
got worse steadily-she Is no better.
We couldn't get the proper food for.
her after awhile. And she hated to,
see me worried about Ralph, SO usetS'
to try to keep up before them.
Last January my husband came tor
Cobfenz about his citizen papers, An.
American soldio- In, Ralph's COMPANY
who was in the Office lfeardshis name.
and asked him IL he was any relation
20 Ralph. He didn't tell him Ralph
was In Cobienz, hut went after Ralph.
He didn't tell Ralph his father was
here. When they met they Couldn't
believe their eyes.
Ever since then have been trying
to see Ralph. He Couldn't come to.
Wefsbaden because II was ont OF tho.
American area, md T couldn't gee
through until todny than two.
months"
They asked her II her Ralph had
changed much In ali that time.
ION, yee-vcry much. Hut do Won,
|, know, r think i. is because all that
long time when didn't know where
he was or how he was--f got In the.
habit Of thinking OF him as he was
when he was q bahy-T kept seeing
him Rs a haby rnd remembering the
way be felt when he was fiffle. fsnst
that queerf And now look at him.
And the corporal tried not to see the
- ~ 49, r. u.