Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-07-16
MEMORY DAY
By MARY M'DONoUGH.

found her way to the little grave in
the sleepy churellyard, far away from
the tecming city.
She laid her Offering of flowers on
the mound and then sat beside it,
dreaming dreams Of another mound in
Flanders-perhaps uncared for, per-
haps unnoticed; dreaming dreams of
other and happier May times. when
life seemed roSe-tintcd and glowing
with promise.
a little old lady. shriveled and fall
terinG, her skin brown and wrinkled
with the years. broke in upon her rev.
cries. She seemed surprised to find
another grieving at her shrine, sur
prised to find the lovely remembrance
Of flowers. She brushed an aged hand
across her forehead, as If trying to re-
member the sweet-faced stranger.
Are you Margaret Ryan's grand
daughter?"
The girl rose and took the old lady's
hands in hers.
I'm Joan Myles." she answered
land came from the city. spent
vacation here last fall. I've always
liked to wander alone through church.
yards, and 1 came across this tomb
stone. lit seemed mystically dear
to me because-it-boret the name Of
the man I was to marry. He-he fell
on Flanders fields. The date on the
stone was so long ago thought per-
haps no one remembered, and since l
could not go to my own beloved's rest
Ing place, thought could seem near
er to him on this memory day If ]
came out here where his name was.
But the little old lady was thinking
of her own lOver-husband. who had
fought in the Civil war, and who was
still young, handsome lad to her.
"Ah, that's It," she breathcd, at
makes them seem nearer. My folks
can't understand my remembering and
grieving still, but the poet spoke truly
when he said:
"The heart that has truly loved, never
fOrgetS,
But as truly loves on to the end
and I never have forgotten during all
the years."
And so they stayed there for long
hours that flew by on wings, while
they talked little and dreamed.
At last the grounds became desert
cd \ flaming, riotous sunset hung its
exquisite picture over distant hill and
reflected itself in the Shimmerng Mer-
rimac. With Il start the girl arose.
ITS very late. You must be faint"
she said. Let me help you to your
home. l had 10 idea we were here so
long! But somehow the visit has
strangely touched me. seem more
hopeful; my cross seems easier 10 bear
Perhaps"
Then she started. She grew dcathly
pale, and tremhicd from head to foot,
for straight in front of her was the
image OF her sweetheart. 4 piercing
scream, and she fell forward in dead
faint.
When she rcgaincd consciousness,
she found herself in his arms, with
the little old lady, whom he addressed
as Grandmother" bending close The
words OF "AntOniO" in an old poem
came to her thoughts:
"Oh, ghost or spirit Of my buried love |!
l know not, care not which.
But be welcome, thrice welcome to
this heart of mine!"
'Jim! JIM" she breathed. when at
last she could speak, "they told me
you were dead"
"And I might as we'll be-" he re-
turned. when they told me you had
broken your faith with me and mar
RED
'Married?' she gasped. my dear,
my dear! What made you think
that?"
Celeste Roydcn broke 1t to me gen.
fly in Il kind. tactful letter. She was
beautifully thoughtful in those black
'across-the-ocean' days for me-"
"And it was Celeste Royden who
broke the news to me Of your falling
In Flanders. She was inexprcssibly
sympathetic, and it was her advice that
l should seek fOrgetfulness in another
city, away from the haunting memo
ries Of YOU"
"And you are still Joan Mylcs?"
The years seemed to slip from his
shoulders and something of n hope
that he had thought turned to ashes
shone forth in his face. you've not
broken your faith?' 1t seemed almost
too wonderful not to he dream or
fiction. Then deep. flaming look Of
wrath came into his face.
"As for Celeste!" he muttcred.
Never mind. Celeste" Joan an
swered simply. jealous. unhappy girls
act unaceountably ut times, and since
we really have each other-since we're
going to be so beautifully happy again
lets forgive herw
And TO think that you should have
come to grandfather's gravel" he mar