New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-12-23
SERVICE RECORD
BY MARY
SseS93S4&984e

scented embrOideries, were prayerfu
hopes that he-a lowiy doughb0y II
France-would return to her, sound II
body and mind.
She grew horribly lonely at times
Occasionally other girls, situated like
herself. would accept others Invitations
just to help ease away the gnaw1nS
ache Of loneliness. Not Eileen. how
ever.
One day Roy Robbins, hrst lieu.
tenant on 4 warship anchored In the
harbor-dashing, and already with \
notable sea rec0rd-had occasion to gu
over some records In Eileen's depart.
ment. He thought her different" and
charming. and found several reasons
for returning.
One day he said: II suppose some
~busybody told you I was married: I
suppose you think me the proverbiai
sailor with q sweetheart In every port.
I'm not. But l admit l have been
married. However, there's 4 separa-
ton, which will undoubtedly end in
prompt divorce. though It was not my
wish. | would have told you all had
you given me the privilege"
Eileen's lovely face flushed. She had
the old-fashioned ideals Of marriage.
with all Its sacredness. She was
shocked and offended.
'I'm SO sorry" she said. sincerely.
II refused you only because the manA
love and am promised to Is 10 France.
fighting. I'm keeping loyal for just
him. But tell me about yourself"
So Lieutenant Robbins, Invested Of
his graceful manners and oficial ~
thority, was now Just IN unhappy.
lonely man, telling his woes to . good
wOman
"It's absurd. and 20 easily straight.
ened out !" Eileen exclaimed. I'm
sure she still loves you. and somehow
l feel that through II all you'll always
love just her. Wouldn't you try"
"NO use tanning the ashes Of . dead
love" bitterly. THE last sparks ex-
PRED"
Suddenly came his orders TO sail.
Came. too. the call for volunteer yeo-
man (F) for Washington and the Great
Lakes. Eileen grasped the opportunity.
Robbins home was In Washington.
Perhaps she could manage to meet his
wife; one could not fOretell what ser.
vice she might render.
Because she was so lovely, so golden
and 50 all-peaches-and-cream Eileen
easily made friends Of all classes. She
found Marguerite Robbins, q lovely.
slender girl Of % or 20. Marguerite
opened her heart. They had become
fast friends. Eileen was ~consoling.
even optimistic.
Later came 4 lOng-remembered Sun.
day afternoon, when Eileen vas sur
prised to find Lieutenant Robbins
awaiting her In the shabby Washing
ton boa riding house. She had written
and implored him to look up her sol.
dier-lover, who had been wounded
overseas. She never mentioned his
wife.
"A message from your man." Robbins
explained. "He was hurt rather badly.
hut he's getting on. They say he called
for o ceaselessly In his delirium."
And when Eileen had shot her myriad
scorching questioninGs about her Jim.
she ventured, "And your
"Only hoping some 7 N T will blow
my fool head on. You knew me better
thnn 7 knew myself when you said I
loved my wife. I do. but It's too late.
House closed up. and I understand
there really IL another"
How cruelty untruer Eileen was
all excitement. "What foolish pride
keeps you from seeking herr She 10
really lonely, sick and sorrowing. Just
a week ago. worn out with brooding.
she was ordered to Q s%anitarium on
the Potomac"
Late that afternoon the miracle hap
pened. Marguerite Robbins thought. Al
she saw the familiar white-uniformed
ohicer approaching. that II was q VI
sion. Rut she could not mistake the
glad. ringing voice.
Sweetheart !" he cried. holding her
close. ''The long months I've kept you
unhappy! But I didn't understand.
I'm afraid we both believed
malicious. false gossip" Then.
How pale and thin you've
grown. precious"
"Roy. dear" she sobbed happily.
You do care, don't you. dear, Every
hing is so beautiful and bright again.
Why. I've just got to keep living now!"
Many months later Hleen's Jim
,ame back from the war. The doctors
'aid he might never be well again.
But Eileen's faith was strong. He
rad little money. but she had not
and saved In vain. II found
he dearest shack. away in the pine
woods. when I had my vacation fur
she told him. enthusiastically.
'Just the place for q lovely, long
and just the place to re-
.ain your health. Jimmie. dear"
"Are you sure youTl never be sorry.
weethearty" he asked. a~nxiously. You
80 young. dear-so very. very beau
iful@
Il don't think you want me" pouted
eileen. teasingly. and I've already
Isked Marguerite Robbins to be my
Of honor"
And I've asked the lieutenant"
aughed Jim, with sly humor. Under
he circumstances@
"wen he very happy" finished HI.
cen, from his shoulder.
Of I've evilA
Mrs. Crabshaw-You must 70 to TIE