Stepsons of Light

“We have our dear dreams, too. It can do no harm to dream that somewhere down the skies that brightness and fire and light still flames – but not for us.

“It is written that upon Mars Hill the men of Athens built an altar ‘to the Unknown God.’ It was well builded; and with no misgiving we leave our friend to the care – and to the honor – of the Unknown God.”

He stood back; and from the women who wept came one who did not weep, dry-eyed and pale; whose pitying hand dropped the first earth into the grave.

“Stardust to Stardust,” said Edith Harkey.

That night Pete Harkey stood by the big fireplace of the big lonesome house.

“Shall I light the fire, Edith?”

“Not to-night, father.”

In the dimness he groped for a chair; he took her on his knee, her arms clung fast.

“Is it well with you, Edith?”

Then, in the clinging dusk she dared the truth at last; to ears that did not hear. For his thought was with the dead man. She knew it well; yet once to tell her story – only once! Her voice rang steady, prouder than any pride: “I have loved Greatheart. It is well with me.”

“Poor little girl,” he said. “Poor little girl!” The proud head sought his breast and now her tears fell fast.

And far away, Charlie See rode south through the wizard twilight. There was no singing now. For at the world’s edge some must fare alone; through all their dreams one unforgotten face – laughing, and dear, and lost.

THE END