Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1922-03-11
The Light on the
Shadow
By ADA M. B. STEVENS
fzff0 M IN N iilz IN M N

attention. and no notice was taken of
the chime clock as II struck eight. For
the first time since the wedding these
symbols Of home seemed unImportani.
There was something the matter
, All her life Edith had heard old-fnsh
Toned gray-headed pessimists say that
love Is iieeting." She had never he
licved II hers was better love than
that. But how about Toms; Tom
left that morning without a word sim.
ply bolted out of the door. To be sure.
he was late. but he had been late he.
fore. When he came home Ia his din
ner II was nearly seven o'clock. She
bravely told him what was troubling
her, as they had agreed 10 do. that no
misunderstanding should come he
tween them. He had laughed rs
though II were Of no account. hurried
into his coat and left her alone while
he went TO meeting of the Legion.
please don't 30 tonight. Tom;
want tn talk To you"
why, I'm adjutant, honey. You
wouldn't want me to neglect that.
would yOu:" He hurried out with some
comment on the slowness Of the
trains.
So Edith went into the pretty sit
ting room to think II out Something
had happened; what was Il? After
all. the hurt was too fresh; In a min
ute She was curled up on the daven-
port. sobbing at her own mystification.
Was she foolish: or didn't he care
any more; Before she could decide.
the doorbell rang.
"Oh. dear" Edith patted and
smoothed her hair on the way to the
door. trying to look like the happest
bride In the world. The trim gray
haired lady standing there looked like
some guardian angel to the little
hOusekeeper
"Oh. Auntie." she cried. please
come In. didn't know you were In
town"
Aunt Mary Marsh walked In with
the matter-of-fact. detached air that
made her welcome everywhere. What
she saw. you never knew-unless you
asked.
Tom OUT" she asked. taking of
her gloves ~ went over TO the con
cert. but II was miserable, and came
away
"Yes. Tom Is out" answered Edith
casually. Then. putting all pretense
aside. she exclaimed: "Oh. Auntie, I'm
so glad TO see you. Something Is all
wrong. and don't know what To- de"
Tell me. dear" Her aunt drew her
To u seat on the couch. Perhaps you
have simply been alone too much IL l.
bad for the Imagination"
III Is so silly. really hut We can't
help our feelings. cun we, Auntie:"
And the little story came out-so
trivial To listen to. So very heart
breaking 10 experience. He forgot
all about me" she ended. What shall
I do!" and the tears came again.
Mrs. Marsh was quiet minute: not
/ that she Didn't see the tragedy Of the
first preOccupied thoughtlessness. She
was thinking.
f., Finally she said: You are afraid
that love Is gone, Edie! No. II means
that love has begun.
Edith looked up with II protesting.
oh. Auntie.'
Yes. II does. dear. True love OF
both heart and soul such n> grows into
Il true marriage like yours. cannot be
lost unless You both will to lose it,.
You must never let II rest On trivial
things. Talk II out together; silence
is the greatest thief Of all, and very
handy cloak for cowardice Turn the
light on the shadows, and they dis
appear misunderstanding cann0;
stay unless We choose"
/ But he could have said goodby."
murmured the little wife.
You chose the wrong time To talk
IL over. dear. Tom was busy and hur-
ried by the very things that make your
home rich and possible: his work and
I his obligations. lie forgot to say good
/ by because he has absorbed you into
his life. 4 man does that he carries
MS VIE WIN MN us MS lHSihFutlOll
aud incentive until he fOrgets they are
apart. He achieves for her, and he
cause Of her"
1 "Auntle. Is that true? oh, see II
\ is lie even has to try 10 remember
that he leaves me behind or course
/ the time 10 talk te Tom Is when he
! comes home tonight"
"Of course. Hell be grateful. with
out knowing why, for your patience
and understanding"
I'm going to tell him why. this very
night" Edith settled herself with Il
determination that suggested waiting
until morning II necessary.
Right. grille; but don't settle back
in that fiaal way; We are going TO tn"
movies"
'Oh. no. Auntie; must be right
/ here when he comes back"
"Why: Did You ever hear Of the
| Siamese twins. Edith? They We're
muscularly attached In such way
that they had To share every net and