Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1924-08-15
LOVE WAS
REVEALED
TO MARIE
By ADELINE r. PHELAN


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60. 1924, Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate)
The heavy oaken hope chest that
stood beside Marles bed was almost
full. Bleached homespun, home-dyed
rugs, home-woven cOverlets, dowry
to be proud of and which should have
made this simple little girl happy,
filled the chest; but rebellion filled her
heart.
She and the strapping, handsome
Stanislaus had been betrothed at the
bedside Of the dying Papa Ober when
she was scarcely more than a child
And now she had gone to the city to
visit her married sister and there she
had met wonderful fellow. His
finish and grace were a Joy to her
young heart she had never before real
lied how uncouth were the manners
of Stanislaus. And Irwin had a way
of telling her how beautiful she was
Stanislaus never battered.
Irwin had told her that he loved
her. Though he spoke no word Of
marriage, she already saw herself rid
ing beside him, smartly dressed, in a
shiny car She saw herself mistress
of a city fiat, furnished with the kind
of furniture one bought in a store.
1t was all going to be very thrilling
and elegant.
The rub was that she had not the
courage to tell Stanislaus, who, since
the death of Papa Ober, had taken all
the care upon his stalwart and capa-
BILE shoulders. He had plowed and
planted in the spring and harvested
in the fall. Shipbullder by trade, he
had rebuilt the dllapldated house.
If Maman needed new chair, he
made ia sturdy, honest chair Of
weathereG ship stock that would out
last factory products for three gen
eratlons. Even the huge four-poster
In which she now slept, and which
was to go to the new home when
they were married, was made by his
clever hands. He mended the roof and
he fixed the fence; he had seemed IN
dispensable, and now-how was Marie
TO tell him that she loved another2
SO matters stood when Maman had
been called to the city. Jeanne was
happily over and Maman was return
Ing there had been heavy fog. Mis-
taken signals-a wreck. Maman, who
since Papa Obers death had done all
the heavy chores with ease, was now
helpless Invalid.
Jeanne's husband worked In q law
yers office, and his boss kindly helped
them bring a case against the COM
pany, for these were hard days for
Marie. Stanlslaus was very busy fin
lshIng orders before winter, and four
teen-year-old Pierre could not cope
with the fall work which was pillng up
hOpelessly. Marie grew pale and
tired with the work and worry. II
was then Stanlslaus planned a
"quiltln'."
A quilting party might mean any
thing from a barn raising to the actual
making Of a quilt. II was customary
for neIghbors to help one another In
their need, and surely heavy days were
falling upon the Obers.
Oddly enough, Irwin was coming to
spend the day with Marie. neither
knowing Of the surprise party. She
was waiting for him at the gate when
wagons began to arrive. Neighbors
from far and near brought their good
will and strength for the qulltin'. r.
win came and seemed dlsgruntled and
strangely out Of place. Marie scarcely
had time for him In the hurly-burly
and hustle which now took possession
Of the farm. The women took care Of
Maman; cooked and gosslped and
sewed Under the able direction Of
Stanlslaus, the cellar was stocked with
potatoes, turnips carrots and beets.
The apples were picked and sorted, the
golden pumpkins grew into a goodly
pile. The barn was tidled spick and
span, for there they we're to feast and
dance when the work was over.
Cider and doughnuts, pumpkin pies
and all sorts Of goodies appeared from
under wagon seats. Merry Quips and
laughter mingled with the wine of the
autumn air. Marie wanted to feel
happy, but already Irwin and Stanis-
laus we're looking daggers at each
other. Fear grlpped her heaE; she
would have to tell him soon It seemed
so ungrateful after this final proof Of
his solIcltude.
Marie" whispered Irwin as they
swayed In the dance, II want you for
my own; won't you come to the city
with mer
81 love you, but l cannot leave my
mother. She has no one else. We will
have to wait"
When the dance was over Stanlslaus
watched Irwin draw her out into the
fields. He followed them in the dark
ness. The music sobbed and sang the
air was pungent with the smell Of
earth freshly turned.
Under the hackmatac's somber
shadows Irwin started to embrace her,
when Stanislaus stood before them.
MARIE" he cried, what right have
you to be here; you are my promised
wlfeT His arm was raised to strike
Irwin, when Marie lnterposed. Don't"
she sobbed; I love him"
Stonlslaus stood and painted like one
MORALLY wounded. His clenched hands
fell to his sides. Then elowly, he
turned and was lost In the night.
81 am very tired" said Marie. "See,
the guests are leaving; 90, beg OF
youl have wounded my best friend. I
cannot hear if0