San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1925-08-24


Dear. kind Andrew.
In the envelope were bonds-s15,OO
in Liberty bonds. Nora Lee was {,
hold them and late. on, in case y
didn't come, she was to give them t
Margaret: tell Margaret he ha,
thought of her in all. In all an;
everything he did che was his onl,
thought.
She sealed the envelope and hid il
in her diary, fastening the lock. Thi:
book, with a lock and key, Andrew
had given her. He had said with ;
merry wink: I'VE mustn't take til,
slightest chance with those tremendous
thoughts, Nora Lee. Unless you have
them under lock and key / know III
peek. 'T'aint that I'm not a man Of
honor, but there be temptations non,
can meet
So his trust was safe there. Mar
garet wouldn't look in that book
she even closed her eyes passing it.
But the thought Of the bonds lay on
Nora Lees heart like a piece OF lead.
As she came down stairs Margaret
stood in the same attitude. She, seem
ed not even to have moved.
Nora Lee went into the kitchen and
fixed the lunch. She called Margaret
gaily. She said: We'll, it was nice
Of Andrew TO come all this way TO tell
US goodbye and ! guess he'll only be
gone a short while"
Margaret didn't answer. Nora Lee
drank her tea with gulp. You
didn't cat any breakfast, mother.
Can't you take that piece of toast?"
Margaret said: why, yes." and
broke the long dainty strip in two.
She got up abruptly: "Let US take Il
walk, Nora Lee. how quiet the house
seems. Late summer days are always
sad"
The first autumn flowers were
blooming in the garden - viOlets all
along the hedge and the golden feath-
ers of the proud chrysanthemums.
How gaudy and arrogant they were
soulleSs flower that should never
bloom where pain is sOwed.
Margaret spoke of the sky 50
clear and blue-the trees that are
such lovely things, gracious as kindly
souls
They walked up the hills. Then
Margaret sat on the stone curbing.
Her face was very pale. She wiped a
moisture from her lips.
Suddenly Nora Lee said: ooh,
mother, say something. Don't have
that look"
Margaret smiled. Il am only tired,
Nora Lee" Then as though she forced
herself: What did Andrew say TO
you?"
"Oh, that he'd come when he
could and things like that. | don't
see why he went, mother. Why he
had TO go"
Margaret pressed her clasped hands
against her lips, She looked then as
she had that night standing on the
stair; a white angel wceping--a white
angel touching her holy hands on An
drew's hair. And the awe and tragedy
Of that silent embrace had gone with
such terror to the heart Of the child.
Nora Lee glanced at her mother
dear, martyrcd saint-that's what shl
was. suffering so for love. The girl
thought Of young, tender eyes resting
in hers; warm, vital lips that whisper
ed: always, you dearest dear, I'm
loving you for always"
She said with a faint sob Mother
is your heart breaking:"
Foolish girl. Hearts only break
when one is not yet 20-never after"
"Oh, think life can be sad, mother
/ wouldn't give up love for all the
pistols in the world. Oh, ] hate that
white old wOman-she should be lock.
ed away and never see the SUM-"
Margaret gave n sharp. half frantic
laugh. She got up quickly, yet he.
limbs trembled and were weighted.
What are you saying. Nora Lee?
Hush have no frar-nO fear at all
the days are growing shOrt-that tree
against the crimson sun-what uplift.
ing things are colors in the sky"
Mother. You are not walking
straight. Mother, lean on me-"
Nonsense, gypsy girl-the fog is
drifting in-the hills will soon be
lost
Nora Lee caught her arm: why,
mother-mOther-of course, you need
not fear
This day seems very long. I am
only hungry. Nora Lcc-you run
ahead. I'm better now
But they went almost creeping 70
the house. Soft, amber shadows flick.
cred through the twilight gloom.
Margaret said Don't light thu
Lamps like the dreamy quiet ~
Nora Lee said: Mother, Andrew
would not leave us-he would not want
you sad know he'll be here soon"
They talked liked this between long
intervals Of silence.
Nora Ire said: You sit as though
you're waiting"
Margaret smiled. Suddenly she had
darted to her feet and sprang across
the room. The faintest tinkle Of the
phone striking like thunder in her
heart.
Nora Lee said: Let me-oh, mother
give il herr
Margaret pressed the phone against
her lips: "Meadows-ycs-here-ah.
vrs-ycs away-not dead-he is
not dcadE7
She put up the hook. turning wild.
stricken eyes TO Nora Lee. Their light
was gone. ANDREW Is hurt-machinc
I think they said that-machine-
the cliff. Andrew dying-we must
go
CONTINUED tomorrow.)