The Mount Holly news., 1919-12-23
IN THE TWILIGHT
BY ELIZABETH M'NAUeHT

dicate.)
The early dusk was falling as Doc
tor Carroll shook his long lank form
from the enveloping coat and dropped
into chair beside his desk. 1t had
been hard day and he was tired. His
shoulders sagged a trife and as he
stretched his long legs out in weari-
ness the weak member ached. But yet
far more depressing than any mere
physical WEAKNESS was the dull heavi-
ness that oppressed his spirits. 1t was
not of recent date, either; he had felt
1t ever since the first medical unit
had sailed to foreign shores on their
errand of mercy.
Earnestly and hopefully he had
made application to be accepted, but
politely. yet firmly, he was made to
realize that war was no place for dam
aged goods. This was bad enough of
itself, but when the idol of his heart
gave him a hurried kiss, an under
standing pat on the shoulder and set
sail to do her bit, he knew his cup Of
bitterness was overflowing. Still, one
must go on. No use being a gutter,
and between the dispensaries, the hos
pitals and the countless demands of
the office, there was little time for
brooding.
Now they were coming back The
city was wild with enthusiasm in well
coming back these super-men and
women who are ever to be found
where the brutalities Of their fellow
men wage the fiercest.
He finally arose and closed the door
none too gently. and as he sat down
again he felt little ashamed of him
self for not having recognized the op-
orators friendly little smile. Still, 1t
was all put on, he told himself. 1t was
her stock in trade just as the anxious
mother of an ailing baby too poor to
pay fee will carry the child in to
him and smile with q plea In every
smile that he take an especial interest
in her offspring.
Suddenly he realized that 1t was
dark, switched on the light, and began
washing up preparatory to going out
to dinner.
The house was very quiet by now,
all the others having gone forth to
their many interests. Even the smiling
operator had given place to a youth
whose rasping monotone was all that
broke the stiffness. These were the
lonely hours Of Doctor Carroll's busy
life, and, paradoxically, for every other
man in the house these few hours were
the most pleasant of the whole day,
their moments of leisure, alone with
their own.
At last he strode out, and his limp
was more perceptible than usual. |
Wonder Of wonders, the headlights on
his car were on. He had forgotten
them entirely. 1t sure was uncanny
to receive such service, and he must
remember to reward the long, lanky |
youth with tip when he returned
He reached for the door of the car,
but simultaneously he was almost |
blinded by the glare of light that shot |
from within. Too startled |
for even thought, he saw the small |
foot spring back from the switch, a |
soft, white hand touched his an In |
slant as it snapped open the door of |
the car, and before he knew 1t dainty !
figure in white linen, with blue cape
thrown jauntily back from one arm,
the insignia Of the cross
tumbled unceremoniously into his
arms.
Howard" and her smiling, happy |
face was very close to his, I've come
back to you, just as 1 am. really |
didn't mean to appear spectacular, but |
/ just couldn't believe l was home un-
til / saw you, and as lacked the cour-
age to run in on you in your office, / |
just stepped in here and waited, and l |
thought to goodness you'd never
come"
"But Helen," and in his voice lurked |
a volume of eagerness, "you surely |
don't mean you're going to pass up all |
the opportunities you must have had
over there and come back here to a
fellow that couldn't even don a uni
form?"
That's just what 1 do mean," she
answered very promptly, that is, Of |
course, if you still want me-" She
knew in her heart and read 1t In his |
face that he did, so she went on In the |
voice of woman who understands all |
things. Don't you think l know you
would have been right over with me If i
you could. That one thing stood out |
so clearly between the lines Of every |
letter you wrote to me, and, believe
me. dear boy, there wasn't fellow in
uniform over there who could ever
take your place in my heart"
very well, colonel" said Doctor
Carroll, raising his arm In true mill
tary salute, II am yours to command"
The twilight deepened into night, and,
well, as every one knows, q sedan car
with well-behaved lighting system
is one of the greatest little places in
the world for welcome home reunion.