The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1922-03-10
THE SCAR
BY GRACE o. wEATHERoRY

/ house was filled TO overlooking with
merry, laughing young people whose
minds had not yet adjusted themselves
to the dark shadow Of the war that
was looming over them. The music
was throbbing plaintively, and II
strangely affected the tall youth lean
ing against the porch rail, putting a
cigarette. Something within him mpde
him long for a vague something that
he could not define. He was lonely,
very lonely, and still he had no need
to be, for with his money, position
and good looks he had host Of
friends. But tonight he kept away
from them, strangely disturbed. Gay
figures fitted past the open door Of
the clubhouse, swaying gracefully to
the music.
Suddenly the ,slouching figure of the
boy stiffened as a girl whisked by the
door on the arm of a tall young man.
Who was she? Surely he had never
seen her before. He hurried inside
the dance hall, and looked in vain for
her. She was gone. For over an hour
he searched, until ut last he found
her, standing by the porch rail in the
very spot he had occupied little
while before. Her gown was of some
soft, sheer white stutf--the skirt full
and fluffy. her white shoulders and
arms were bare, her shining brown
hair piled high. Never had he seen
such loveliness. His longing was no
, longer vague.
Later he managed to dance with
her. and his heart thumped madly as
the brown eyes smiled up into his.
That same week he learned she was
an artist, and to his unspeakable de-
light she wished To make Il sketch Of
his head. The afternoon was one
never to be forgotten. He was an adj
mirable model. and under her slender,
clever fingers the sketch took form
his clear-cut features. his dark, wav-
ing hair-almOst unreal in its perfec-
ton.
"You have a wonderful face" she
said dreamily, when it was finished
"Don't let anything ever mar it Keep
those eyes as clear as they are now,
that chin as irm-that mouth as
sweet ~
All the rest of that year-through
the winter. till the spring-they were
lnseparable. He loved her with all
his young heart, and still he never
told her so. How could he? He didn't
dream she cared for him! There were
so many, and while she was always
kind to him, still she was always kind
to everybody! Then, In the midst Of
their happiness came the war! The
boys young blood was hot with anger,
and he was one of the first to 60 In
his trim uniform he was unspeakably
handsome, and the slim girl in white
trembled as she saw him GO. There
had been no wOrd-nO prOmise-Only
that they would write. She had kissed
his cheek very softly when he said
good-by, and that was all.
Christmas, 1921! The little club !
house was gayly decorated with ever /
greens and holly. Little twigs of mis- !
tletOe were hung in Out-of-the-way
places-snares for pretty, clever
maidenS. High on a Stepladder perched
the girl-a little Older-a little wiser
-loveIier than ever. Before her on .
the wall hung picture-the hoy in
his uniform. gazing steadfaStly ut her (
with solemn, pleading eyes. She felt
tightening about her heart, and her
straight shoulders Sagged little.
"Come, come Jeanie-don't give f.
way now. We've far too much to DO"
The girl at the foot Of the Stcpladder /
was very practical.
81 can't help it, Mary-he was so /
perfect! Why did it have TO be the |
one loved best in the world"
But the girl at her feet wasn't lis
tcniug She was busy directing the .
hanging Of Il huge bell Then she
hurried out. 1t was late afternoon, /.
and the final decorations were care +,
fully placed. The others were ready /.
to 90.
Coming, Jeanie? Or are you 60 /.
ing to sit there on the ladder moon .
ing over Carlos all night? Poor Carlos /
He'Q give MS ire again 10 see you I
thus" And they We're gone. The /
sun. almost set, cast last. glory of |
pale sunshine through the window, |
setting all the holly berries glowing. !
The girl on The ladder sObbed unheeded. /
Suddenly her figure stllened. An |
uncanny feeling that she was not
alone crept over her, and she lifted !
her face from her hands. There at
the foot of the ladder was a man. His
face bore a horrible scar across the
left cheek--a lurld crimson scar But
the eyes We're the same clear eyes
the chin as firm-the mouth as sweet.
"Jeanie!" he whispered, brOkenly to
the staring girl. 81 just couldn't help
coming. They wanted to wait until
tonight, but | couldn't. | wanted to
see you sol" His hand crept to his
cheek. "Tm horrible to look at.
Jeanne
The girl crept down the ladder, and
grasped the man by his shoulders.