Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1924-05-02
MARGOT'S SIGN
BY JANE GORDON


NTARGOT came into the room and
AVA tossed her dark cape across q
chair. Her soft hair was wind-blOwn
and her cheeks rudy from the bracing
night air. She sat before the fire, q
wistful light in her kindly blue eyes.
Margot lived quite alone since the In
valid father had passed from her care,
and the love that lay ever in her
heart was lavished on those fortunates,
or worldly unfortunates, who happened
to come her way.
Margot would have made such a
good wife; her father had repeatedly
told her so. But when other lassles
went gayly in pretty attire to neigh
bOrhood parties Margot sat at home
listening to an invalid's call or work
ing about the house. Tonight her
musings seemed pleasant, If wistful,
for the freight, casting shadows on
her face, often found smile there. AT
last she arose and brought from the
cupboard box of crayons.
"Mending," read the sign-"done
here. Socks neatly mended. Buttons
sewed on" Margot herself smiled as
she placed 1t in the front window and
drew the curtain over it.
Mrs. Wilson, a neighbor, came In the
next morning filed with curiosity.
"Dearie me- Margot," she exclaimed,
Il never knew you were in need of
work. Always thought you had
a'plenty to keep the pot boiling. I'll be
so glad to get the children's darning
out of the way"
'I'm sorry, Martha, but already I've
planned far ahead"
"Now, who would think" said Mrs.
Wilson, "that a sign would be noticed
and bring work that quickly. Well,
another time hope"
After her neighbor had departed
Margot gazed expectantly down the
street, the noon hour whistle was
blowing, and with the noon hour tall,
dark-eyed man usually came swinging
past on his way home to a solitary
luncheon.
James Bruce had long been alone in
the old house that had been his par
ents' before him, and Margot, remem-
bering the happy days of his youth,
wondered how he had remained OBJ
durate to the shy, yet certain atten-
lions Of the fair. She was quite sure
that Jamie" as his old friends called
him, had known no heart disappoint-
ment. Yet, here he was, with silver
coming to dust his dark curly hair.
"Jamie" had not prospered. Per
haps he had fingered too long in the
isolated village; perhaps, like herself,
the best of his youth had been spent
in mlnistratlon to others. "Jamie's"
mother had needed him. The mother
who had loved long. helpless. yet domi-
mating.
Margot listened for JAMES" we'll
known step. 1t came, paused, and
plainly she could see his stare Of sur
prise as he read the crude window
sign. Something indiscernible flashed
into his dark eyes; he hesitated, then
abruptly, as with sudden decision,
turned to ascend the steps of Margot's
home.
Margot stood smiling welcome. "Why,
come in jamie" she said, as though
they had met yesterday. As a matter
of fact, James Bruce had not entered
that little portico in twenty years.
81 saw" he floundered, "the sign in
your window. I'm awkward with sock
darning, and it would seem queer to
ask regular sewing woman to do
those things for one, and So"
"And So" assisted Margot pleasant
ly, my sign was just the thing you
needed. 1t was happy thought,
jamie viii you bring the hose over
this EVENING""
James Bruce brought a soft bundle
of silk and wool; he brought also an
evening coat in need Of stitch at the
pockets. Later he dared to bring fine
linen for Margot to embroider his ini-
tails.
you know" he confessed, still shy
ly, I've always had laundering for
my linen hand-embroidered."
Those were coy evenings while
Margot sat sewing and Jamie" sat
waiting. Sometimes he would be per-
suaded to carry home with him hot
apple pie for tomorr0w's lonely lunch
con, and sometimes Margot would be
persuaded to accept In return what
"Jamie" termed "a box OF sweets"
II do believe" Mrs. Wilson told
oR oil he
James Bruce is waiting on Margot.
Now, how do you suppose that comes
about with him so shy and backward
where women are concerned? The
Bruce house used to be a grand place
and could be again, no doubt, with a
woman to plan and manage. Margot
could make him a fine, managing wife.
II he'd ask her"
jamie was asking her; the last
handkerchief had been embroidered,
and he held it In his big hand like
some precious thing. "And oh, my
dear" said Jamie" 81 never would
have had the courage to hope that
you'd take me-you appeared to be left
so well provided. and me-just a
plodder of a man. 1t was your sign,
telling that you were in need Of work.
that gave me any courage at all
have ever loved you, Margot, l need
you sol"
Il know you do, jamie" Margot
answered briskly. at was when pass.
ing one night that | saw you through
the window, trying to mend your socks,
In your clumsy man-way. You looked
80 lonely, jamie and must confess,
for truth is ever my way. that l came
back here and put up that sign hoping
for you to see--and hoping maybe"
Hoping what else, my dearY'
-Jamie" asked her huskily.
"Hoping-just this" she said.