Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 282, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1919 — LITTLE SISTER [ARTICLE]

LITTLE SISTER

By ETHEL M. FARMER.

Mary Ann stood at the side of the road and watched her transient visitor settle .herself comfortably in her dew roadster. It seemed only a minute before she had waved goodby and had disappeared from view. It was one of those glorious mornings iq early April, when the sun shone exceptionally bright and the sky seemed exceptionally clear, but a slight frown passed over Mary Ann’s face as she slowly retraced her steps to her home and to a bag of unfinished darning. Virginia’s last words kept running through her mind. ■ “Of course you know that Kenneth receives his discharge tomorrow and we are all going to meet the train,” she had said. Mary Ann was delighted to know that her neighbor was coming home but the village rumors which were circulated troubled Tier. She wondered if Virginia’s “hope chest” was really filled to overflowing and if she had really bought material for a wedding gown. She did'not bln m e Kenneth if It were true, for Virginia was the prettiest and richest girl in the village. Yet all the villagers knew and loved Mary Ann, although it was quietly agreed that she was far from good looking. Every one called her “Little Sister” for she had always seemed like a little sister to them all. Mary Ann’s frown soon changed into a smile and she began to sing snatches of songs, for she could never scowl or sigh very long. Then suddenly her bag of work fell to the floor with a thud and she ran eafgerly out of the -deer—and—down—the- na rro w,cobbled path. She was just in time to throw open the gate for an elderly man who was leaning heavily on his cane as he wnlked along. “How is dad after his walk this lovely morning?” She asked cheerfully. “Fine,” he replied, “but a little tired.” He rested his hand for a moment on her shoulder and" smiled at her solicitude. “Do not worry,” he assured her, “I am better. Did you know that our neighbor was coming tomorrow?” he asked suddenly, “and the village Is planning a hearty welcome? You must be sure to be at the station when he comes." ~ _ ~~~ Her eyes sparkled and her voice was eager when she spoke. “I will go if you are all right.” “Of course you will go, because I will be all right,” and he laughed a deep, rich laugh, for he thought of the happy reunion of his dearly beloved daughter and her old schoolmate. He knew how she had watched the papers with great anxiety while he was in the trenches, and how she had waited with great aniticipationand expectationsfor his home-coming. It was no wonder that a deep flush passed over “Little Sister’s” face when her father said teasingly: “I suppose you and Kenneth wllbsopfi be hunting up your old playgrounds?” The next day dawned clear and beautiful and the air seemed chargedwith enthusiasm and excitement. The quaint little village was gayly decorated with flags and bunting and strains from the band filled the air, in their last attempt to have a good rehearsal before the train arrived. Self-satisfled Virginia sat alone in her car, waiting for the parade to

start. She seemed more dignified and prouder than ever as she watched the moving mass with great contempt. She seemed pleased to think that she was unmoved and unexcited and only wondered if Kenehth would like her new silk dress and jaunty black hat. But where was "‘Little Sister?” Many searched the crowds for her, for she was one of the people who was always missed. But the long parade started for the station without her. She stood alone at the door of her home and watched the cheering crowd move along. Her father was sick and she dared not leave him alone. When the train whistled in the distance, the'crowd of welcomers moved with one accord nearer the tracks, and (he band began its music. scanned the doors and windows of the train as it stopped and the travelers began to climb off. At last Kenneth was spied and they rushed to him. Then the people gave cheer after cheer while Kenneth was being transferred from the train to the top of a large baggage truck, where he was to give a speech. He seemed to be in excellent spirits and told them about many of his experiences. His ankle had been injured in one of the battles and it would be a long time before he £ould walk without crutches, but his cheerful smile showed them tljat'he was glad that he was able to do his bit for his country. _ ~ After the great festivities were over me returning hero rapped at his old playmate’s and neighbor’s door. He could hardly wait until the door was flung open and Mary Ann rushed joyfully out to greet him. “Little Sister” smiled contentedly when he told her the story of his Ilfs overseas. And all this time another girl was sitting sedately in her parlor waiting for her "gentleman c&Uer.” If she had happened to walkby a certain humble, little cottage, she would have seen two old playmates reunited. A few months later a very pretty wedding ceremony was performed when, a certain “Little Sister” was made “Little Wife,” but the “Village Belle” was not present. ' (Copyright, ISIS, MoClura Newspaper 8r» dlcau..