Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-08-20
The Reason.

Lois Dane sat on the steps watch
Ing the moon float up like big,
white bubble over Pine Hill. The
scent OF lemon lilies came to her
family. The night was very sweet.
cool and fresh. but it was night to
try young hearts.
Lois sighed and wept a little as she
sat Watching the moon. Her father
WAS going to be married in Il few
DAYS to a woman who would change
The house from what her mother had
made 1t, into a place where no girl
could he happy. Lois decided not to
sta there after her stepmother came,
but to so to RuShton and work in
the mill Her aunt lived in Rushton
and her cousin Mary worked in the
mill Mary often told Lois how much
She earned and what d nice time she
had spending the money.
If il had not been for one thing
Lois would have liked very we'll to
20 to RuShtOn, for her aunt was her
mothers sister, Il good. kind woman.
II She went she knew that she would
have to say Soodby forever to Greg
ory C;trtheW and she loved him. had
loved him, indeed. SO long that to
take him out of her life would be like
tearing away a piece Of her flesh. She
much taken up With Lou Stacey, who
lived round the cornet. There was no
hope that he would ever care for
ANYBODY but Lou but youth will not
despair.
\ step sounded in tho street where
it had been 50 still a moment before,
and |. OILS looked in that direction. 1t
was only old Mr.. Potter going home
from the corner grocery. where he
sat and SWapped yarns with his Gro
MES. or else il was Mrs. Cronin going
10 see a neiShhor after she had put
the children to bed, Lois thought. The
shadows of the trees hid the person.
who drew nearer and nearer. until
suddenly coming into stark moonlight
Lois saw that il was Gregory Cart
hew.
He came 10 the house and was
about TO mount the steps when he
saw her sitting there startled into
silence.
"Oh. Lois. he said, and sat down
with sigh Presently he spoke
again. Nice evening. eh?'
VERY" Lois could utter nothing
farther. 1t seemed too good to be
true that he MS there. SO near. But
what had he come for She tried to
think.
Lois" he said abruptly turning to
look at her face. which the moon
light. falling through the leaves spot
ted with light. Il want To ask you
somethinG.
IAN right. Greg.
"Wiu you marry me-?
Lois heart jumped and paused
until she thought it would never go
on. A strange. sick feeling rose with
I'm her TOO. soon. too poignant to be
lust vet distinguishahle as joy.
viii YOU. LoiS?" He laid his hand
over hers.
Yes. Greg"
He patted her hand.
you're a good girl" he said. and
strange silence fell between them.
When shall it be-" he asked.
Lois started.
breathed.
"Our marriage. There's no need to
wait. Your dads going TO be mar
ried. and l should think II would be
pleasanter for YOU 10 leave before
that woman comes into the house. My
house is in good shape, just as moth
er left il when she died. We could
GO 10 the city for little trip and get
whatever is lacking. I'd thought OF
new rug for the parlor and daven.
port. but of course, it's just as you
think about it, What do you say to
next Wednesday night. Lois?"
I'm be ready, Greg"
He put his arms about her and
kissed her cheek. .
Settled quick. wasn't it," he said.
you're a dear little girl. my Lois
He began then to talk casually of
their trip and their home, and before
the moon was well over the house he
went away.
Lois still sat on the steps when
her father came home.
"whv didn't YOU go TO bed?" he de-
1nanded gruffiy.
Lois Waited-an instant while Asr