He knew
that she needed him, for the next oldest of the brothers of those who
were at home was only seventeen. But his country had asked him to stand
by and would call him if it needed him.
The struggle within him lasted for weeks. Then he asked that they seek
no exemption for him.
In his presence his mother never again referred to his going, but he
would see her troubled face watching him.
But she talked with the influential men in the valley hoping there would
be some suggestion that would honorably relieve Alvin from the duty of
going. Pastor Pile had gone ahead to see what he could do, and he
learned that those who were "conscientious objectors" would not have to
go. The tenets of his church, he held, were against all wars. Alvin was
an elder; he had subscribed to and was living the principles of his
religion. He hurried home to Mrs. York.
But the soldier, himself, had to make the plea for exemption, no one
could make it for him.
Alvin never made it.
In the middle of November his summons reached him. He had but
twenty-four hours to respond.
He sent a note to Gracie, telling her his "little blue card" had come
and he asked her to meet him at the church--which always stands open by
the roadside. As they walked toward her home they arranged to meet the
next morning at the rock under the beech trees, when she would leave to
carry the cows to the pasture.
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