The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1929-07-26


more or less in awe of Mrs.
Mortimer. She had lived for
thirty years in the big brick
house set back in the velvety green
lawn on South Main street; she had
driven regularly through the town first
in her carriage, and later in her closed
car. She had attended the Episcopal
church and had contributed freely to
all worthy benefits. Trenton had
helped bury her husband with all the
pomp and respect due the towns rich
est man" when Andrew Jr. was two
years of age, and yet Trenton did not
know Mrs. Mortimer.
1t watched with interest when she
closed her house each summer and left
for the seashore; the mountains; some
times Europe. 1t watched with equal
interest the preparations for her re-
turn. 1t lad watched Andrew Jr.
grow up I'D go away to college. An.
drew wal much more democratic than
his stately mother. He had attended
the Trenton schools and had got into
as much mischief as the rest OF the
Trenton boys: his first automobile had
been source of much worry to the
townspeople. He returned from col.
lege at regular intervals and Trenton
was always glad to welcome him
home.
He was just twenty-four when he
came home that spring Of 1917 from
training camp, respondent in his tai.
lored khaki and Sam Browne belt, two
bars on his shoulders, and his mother
had been brave when he waved good
by to her and to Trenton from the
rear platform of troop-filled train.
1t was then that Trenton came to
know Mrs. Mortimer better. She
opened her big house and the wom-
en- daily spent hours there rolling
bandages. cutting, sewing, knitting,
packing. Mrs. Mortimer moved about
the rooms quietly. regally. She talked
about Andy. A blue star on a white
background hung in her window.
And then in September, 1918, that
blue star turned to gold! Trenton
was stricken. Fine young Andrew
Mortimer had fallen in the Argonne.
They tried TO convey their love and
sympathy to his mother, but grief
scared, she shut them out of her life.
She would not talk: she would not
listen.
The following summer she went to
New York and brought Andy's body
home, draped with the stars and
stripes. Trenton turned out to do him
honor. The business houses were
closed; the flag at half-mast, and
every lad who had gone across acted
|, Is military esenrt as they hs,sA Anfly
I'D station to the ceTne-
terry TO plan him beside his father
Trenton wepf unashamed when that
salute was fred across the open
grave.
Mrs. Mortimer again went into Sc
clusion. The war had brought her
Quit had taken her back-she was
bitter.
She regularly left for her summers
at seashore and mountains. She never
went to Europe again. She spent two
months each winter in Florida. And
then back to the lovely, lonely big
house on Trenton's main street.
1t was three years after the war
that the minister came to her.
Mrs. Mortimer. there is woman
in town who needs work. She came
here month ago A splendid untiring
worker, earnest and faithful. have
come to know and like her. She needs
money-spems to be all alone in the
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.
81 will be glad to help her, of
course, Doctor Dykeman. Send her
to me tomorrow. OF course, all my
housework is efficiently cared for by
ny servants, hut
Margaret Murphy is not asking for
money, Mrs Mortimer. She wants
work. Unless you have work for
her"
81 can arrange for some. Doctor
Dykeman, will expect her tomor-
row."
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. 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 im."
Mrs. Mortimer came in and Maggie
turned. her round rosy face framed
with grazing hair, radiant in health
ard good nature. She met the cold
gray eyes of Mrs. Mortimer and the
smile faded.
81 have arranged with Mrs. Black,
my housekeeper, to turn the washings