The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1920-09-03

| ScAtiA AlASTiCds
/ At considerable financial loss to
himself he had put aside his own
plans, postponed his trip and devoted
himself to my mother and me until
| everything was over and I was back
at my work again.
| And | coul dsee in the light OF what
| had learned since his return that
the only reason he did not ask me to
| be his wife at that time was the fear
that 1 might accept him through
| gratitude.
"Try to Forget Me-"
Again the unbidden, unwelcome
query came to my mind. Would it not
perhaps have been better for me if he
had revealed his heart to me?
Jacks voice brought me back from
the past to the present.
What is the matter, Madge? I am
waiting, dear, for your word. I know
you win not break it."
Eyes, Jack, promise" said faint
ly. But, oh, Jack, can't bear to
have you go away like this! Is this
really the end? Am I not to see you
just once more?"
Never in all my partings with my
brother-cousin had 1 felt so grief
stricken. OF course, this was partly
due to the fact that he was going
across the ocean to join the French
engineering corps. The chances were
very much against his ever coming
back again.
But there was more sinister side to
my sorrow. I felt guilty. as If it
-.
across the water. I could not have
felt worse If I had written the warrant
for his execution.
you are making it very hard for
me, dear" Jacks voice held reproach
that stung me. You know I must not
see you again"
And, Margaret" his voice sounded
sterner, almost a bitter note, try to
forget me. you know I must not
see you again.
And, Margaret" his voice sounded
a sterner, almost a bitter, note, "try
to forget me altogether"
How Mrs. Stewart Helped.
Il never can do that, Jack" an
swered tremendously.
Better so, dear; better So" he said
gravely. Your future is with your
husband. He loves you madIy, de-
votedly. You must do nothing that
will disturb your happiness
My brain was so filled with the
image Of Jacks going away from me
that I did not realize the significance
of his words about Dicky.
IT said good-by to you an hour
ago." the deep voice went on you
know everything that is in my heart
If you ever need me. and I am alive.
Mrs. tSewart will let me know, and
will come to you at once. Now be
a brave girl once more and wish me
luck"
you know I wish you everything
that is good" I returned, struggling
with my sobs. "Good-by Jack"
"Good-by" The deep voice held
huskier note, and Jack hung up the
receiver abruptly, as if he, too, could
bear no more.
The moment had come! I had a |
feeling which amounted almost to a |
premonitfon that never again would |
hear my brother-cousin's voice.
AS turned from the telephone Mrs. |
Stewart rushed toward me.
Here, quick, sit down." she said, |
and going to her corner cupboard was
back almost instantly with a tiny
glass of cordial.
Something in my face must have
alarmed her for she pressed the pun
gent liquid to my lips and insisted |
that 1 drain every dro poi it.
I was too numb with the emotions |
that racked me to resist her. I drank |
what she gave me- choking a little at |
its strength, and then with closed |
eyes YEARLY rested my head against |
the chair back.
I felt my old friends hand lightly |
stroking my hair, and her voice Mir
muring words of which I could catch
only an occasional one. But here |
was one word which caught r'Ore
than once.
Blind! bnnd!" she said mournfully |
and then poor, blind child"