Phillips County herald., 1923-09-06


Through the window she could see the
orchard all a-bloom with the misty
white of apple blossoms; but resent
ment surged in her breast.
'Oh," she thought, rebelliously, "it
isn't fair. Ann always gets the best.
never mind what she does"
For five years, since Ann had left
the old farm for the lure Of the city,
Martha had struggled to keep the
worry and tears from her mothers
eyes.
And tomorrow Ann was coming. She
had written sad letter. Mother flung
herself into fathers arms after read
ing it, tears of JOY streaming down her
wrinkled face. They must "red" up
the big front room with the windows
facing the sea. Ann had always loved
the view from there.
shes been cooped up in little hall
bedroom no bigger than our pantry"
mother had told them, "and she's half
sick and so anxious to get back"
Martha recalled AIMS wild-rose
beauty moodlly. She felt that the past
five years of overwork and worry had
faded whatever claim she might have
had herself to prettiness.
She remembered the night before
Bruce Darlington left for college. They
had walked down through the old
orchard, now full Of fragrant, haunt
ing memories.
Last month he had come back to
take his fathers practice, and the old
friendship had been renewed. Ann
must have the best Perhaps she
would find Bruce to her liking, also.
To Martha's weary mind came some
old remembered words: "Lo, these
many years do l serve thee, neither
transgressed 1 at any time thy COM
mandment." 1t seemed as If all her
toll and self-sacriflce had been taken
as a matter of course.
When Ann stepped from the train
the next afternoon Martha. at the
sight Of her white face and shadowed
eyes. suddenly forgot everything but
deep sisteriy affection and pity. In
the big front room she made Ann COM
Portable.
.We'll have Bruce over In the MORN
Ing to see you," she said with slight
flush on her fair cheeks "You know
he's our doctor. now"
"oh. Martha. Ann exclaimed. trem-
ulously. ''it's so good to get home
again. wish you'd sleep in here with
me-"
Martha. remembered letters from
Ann the previous year-letters full Of
Richard Gordan
Young Doctor Darlington found
AIMS condition one of nerves and lack
Of nourishment. which good air and
food would soon improve. He made
many nonprofessiunal visits during the
mild spring evenings. and Martha
often st0le- quietly AWAY and left them
on the piazza.
One bright June morning when
Bruce drove up to the house In his big
car and called out cheeriiy, 'Come on,
girls. have to go over to Cross Cor
ners, and Its n dandy day for long
drive" Martha answered. Cant he
done. Bruce. LpromSed Dad I'd make
him some crullers, but It's Just what
Ann needs"
She saw them start of down the
long. white road. and there was a dull
pain In her breast. Perhaps tGday's
sunshine would bring its golden beauty
to AIMS heart. She was not home
when they returned. she having gone
for the mail. So absorbed was she by
the thick letter for Ann. postmarked
Cleveland. that for the time being she
forgot her own sorrow.
She hurried up TO the big front room
and tossed II lightly into her sisters
lap. Ann went suddenly white. and.
without word. tore open the envelope
and hungrily absorbed It's contents.
When she had finished she handed the
open pages TO Martha and threw her.
self on the bed.
Mnrtha's startled eyes read:
"Dcar Little wife OF Mine:
II shall be with you nearly MS soon
as thls letter, ns lenve here on the
hfh'hH hhff Ufhtl lllt
hospital. too III TO know anything for
days. will tell you nll about II when
see you. have landed the Job
went nftcr and OH my dear. we will
be 30 happy out here"
Martha did not turn the page. She
was too stunned 10 go on. Suddenly
Ann came ana hid her fncc on her sis.
ter's shoulder.
martha. I've been suffering terribly.
When Dick and were married we
planned TO come here for our honey.
moon. but the very next dny his firm
fnlled. lie was too proud 10 come then,
and went out 10 Cleveland. where he
bad the promise OF a position. And
I've never heard a word Nil these
weeks"
Lnirr. downstairs, Martha had her
reward.
"oh, Murthn." her mother whls.
nrred "tm sn thankful vou'll upVar ga