Mountain Home Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1915-1946, 1921-11-05
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REART-AGE
BY MoLLiE MATHER.

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Copyright, 1921. Western Newspaper Union.
When Janey met Don Avery, she had
merely intended TO drift into a mu-
tually helpful companlonship. Don's
| youth was so happily evident, Janey
knew that she had many years beyond
him, not only by actual count, but In
i experience. Yet Don charmed and re-
| freshed her as no former lover had
| done; for Janey had known her due
of lovers. AS very young girl she
had been independent and pretty, as
years passed more critical and exact
ing In choice4so she had not married.
When Don came, she was keeping on
the little home cottage as her mother,
departing this life, had charged her.
Obedience was grown by habit to be
a part of Janey. Youthful friends
had for the most part gone far to
make new homes for themselves; but
Janey was still content.
When Don Avery came, she was
more. He arrived breezily. and by
chance, regarding some business VEN
ture which would fer sometime require
his supervision, and In the natural
course of things, the minister's wife
introduced him to Janey; he and her
son had been companions in college
Janey, looking up to the tall, frank
faced young man, smiled her own
sweet smile, while the young man,
looking down admiringly, thought,
what small winsome creature this
| was.
you must let me come over some
times and sit with you on your front
porch" he said, II am mighty lone
some here"
Janey was glad to let him come. She
hoped, In a modest earnest sort OF
way, that her influence might be good
for a stranger In a far-away town.
The young men of the village were
for the most part undesirable associ-
ates; SO the friendship between Janey
and Don Avery of Boston grew, and
blossomed For 1t was a beautiful
friendship after all. To Janey it
brought new interest and JOY to her
days, every pleasing thing that she
planned was now for his commenda-
ton; the wooden settles upon either
side Of her vined porch, the flower
sun dial In the garden. Don eagerly
!. ~, oil
1t was old Ellen working about
Janey's cottage, who brought the
awakening. Ellen had known her all
her life. "You an that young man
is going to have trouble" said Ellen
brusquely, zone way or the other. You
are In love, blind owl could see that.
If you marry him, the trouble will
come when you wake up to the diff
ference between you, an eff you don't
marry, you've got to part"
Janet caught her breath.
you've got to part" she repeated
duly. The truth came to her later.
Ellen was right. How was 1t that
she and Don had not discovered their
own coming sorrow When she asked
him gently that question, Don caught
at her hands laughing.
Rather" he asked, "how is it that
we have not discovered the true cause
of our joy. Oh, have been happy,
Janey. l am happy. And l won't
give it up for the fancy of matter
Of years. You are mine and | am
yours-forever dear; 1t is written; SO
we will marry"
But Janey was firm.
SNOW" she said, I'VE both feel that
way. Later, there would be the sad
awakening. 1t must be-good-by and
now, boy dear"
ward, without his big protecting pres
enee. Janey's heart was achingly
lonely for the sound of his laughter,
but she persevered in her refusal and
went her way. And Don, sick and
weary, because of his Punishment, en-
listed, and went away to war.
SO years passed. War at last was
over, while Janeys garden still bios
somed. She was quite alone then,
without even old Ellen's presence.
Another man quite suitable as to age
and condition sought place In Janey's
life.
1t was all very foolish dreaming, of
course, she with silvery threads show.
ing here and there In her ripping
hair; Don still, wherever he was, VII
tally young and glowing.
Through the hedge gap came one
evening mans bent figure. Janey
laid aside her book and went forward
to learn his errand. The mans whit
ened hair encircled his cap brim, his
smile with the deep-cut lines upon
either side of his mouth, was more
melancholy than cheerful. The mans
eyes loked cid and very tired. Crate
fully he sank into the seat beneath
the naples. Then he laughed harsh
ly, and In that laugh Janey knew. 1t
was grim echo of the boyish laugh
ter that she had longed terribly to
hear.
"Don," said Janey, her voice hLsned
and wondering, hoy dear, can this
really be your"
"Boy dear" Knocked Don Avery, II
have lived many lives since you last
saw me, Janey l have been through
much. think there can be no regret