Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-30
THE EVENING STORY

world. Wonder if you wouldn't help
her by giving her something to do"
Mrs Mortimer toyed with the string
of black beads about her neck.
Il will be glad to help her, of course,
DR.. Dykeman. Send her to me tomor-
row OF course. all my homework is
efficiently cared for by my servants,
Margaret Murphy is not asking for
money. Mrs. Mortimer. She wants
work Unless YOU have work for her
II can arrange for some, DR.. Dyke
man. I will expect her tomorrow"
Margaret Murphy came into the
great living room Of the Mortimer
house almost on tiptoeS the next morn
ing. She eyed the rich-toned rugs In
genuine admiration. She looked about
her with shining eyes. a smile on her
broad Irish face. Evidently Margaret
Murphy knew and loved beauty. Then
over the mantel she saw the white
flag with the gold star in the center,
and below the picture Of young Andrew
Mortimer. jr.
OH she whispered. Its her boy.
God bless i'm"
Mrs. Mortimer came in and Maggie
turned her round, rosy face, framed
with grazing hair. radiant in health
and good nature. She met the cold
grey eyes of Mrs. Mortimer and the
smile faded.
II have arranged with Mrs. Black,
my housekeeper, to turn the washings
over to you, Mrs. Murphy. And once a
week-on Friday want you to come
and help clean while Elfreda-rny sec
Ond maids visiting her mother. VIII
that be of help to you?"
It will indeed. Mrs. Mortimer, and I
thank you kindly. I'll try to please you
and l thank you"
She turned to the picture on the
mantel
Your boy, Mrs. Mortimer-I heard
I'm sorry
Mrs. Mortimer nodded shortly. eyes
my son-Andrew."
Margaret Murphy wiped her eyes.
you gave something big, Mrs. Morti~
mer-you gave something wonderful
to America"
Mrs. Mortimer cut her short. "NTrs.
Black will have the laundry ready for
you. Good morning. Mrs. Murphy"
For three years Margaret Murphy
gave two days a week to Mrs Mortimer
and at the end of that time she did
not know her any better than she did
the morning they had stood together
| before the gold-Starred flag over the
mantel but Margaret Murphy contin-
| ued to smile and sing over her work.
Then on Memorial day, when Rock
| ford was gay with flags and bunting,
| Margaret Murphy went to the cemetery
with her arms full of flowers. She
wended her way among the graves until
she stood in the shadow of the granite
shaft that bore the name of Andrew
| Mortimer, jr.; the date of his birth
and death: the company with which he
served. She knelt and carefully arrang-
ed the colorful blossoms about the little
flag that waved III the morning breeze.
! She was about to rise to her feet when
| some one came and stood near her.
! 1t was Mrs. Mortimer.
| This is kind OF you, Mrs. Murphy,
very kind I have noticed fresh flowers
here regularly. Have you brought
! them?"
| Margaret Murphy nodded.
But why. Mrs. Murphy, why do you
| do this when /"
IL can't go to my own boys grave
Mrs. Mortimer, and I want to show
| my love and my pride by placing
| flowers on another's grave-perhaps
/ one of his-what did they call them,
| buddies? Anyway. another who gave
| his life for the same cause-AmeriCai !"
Mrs. Moytimer's glove hand fell on
! Margaret Murphy's sleeve.
Your boy! Did YOU say your boy?"
| she faltered
! Margaret Murphy nodded and turn
ed back the lapel of her coat. A tiny
/ gold star shone there.
| Jimmie died in the Argonne.i too"
| "O-h-h." breathed Andrew Mortimer's
Mother. And you never told mel"
You never let me-but I under
Stood and Margaret Murphy smiled
winsomely through the tears. I'm
saving my money and I'm going to his
! grave in the Fall. ma'am?"
Where is Jimmie buried?"
! I'm Arlington. ma'am."
! Mrs. Andrew MortimerS arms went
! about Margaret Murphy and she held
her close as the strains of Onward,
/ Christian Soldiers" in the distance an
/ nounced the approach of the annual
parade-coming to honor Rockford's
| soldier dead
You are going to Arlington tomor-
row, Margaret Murphy, and I'm going
with you" whispered Mrs. Mortimer.
I'VE are going to Timmie's grave to-
morrow"
THE END.
CCopyright. 1929