Little Brown House: Marie C. Oemler

Two short stories: Little Brown House: The senator's wife - a life of receptions, dinners, social occasions and connections - can feel herself ever more distanced from her successful husband with every passing day. When she sees a little brown house for sale, she impulsively and secretly buys it and gives it to Annie, a homeless lady, who transforms it into a home of laughter, good food and a haven for mothers and children. Her kind act reveals a secret - about the senator. The Youngest Officer: Bruce, or 'Duny' as he likes to call himself, is only a little boy when his young mother dies. His father, a regimental officer, is heartbroken and the regimental wives take little Duny to their hearts. But when the regiment is shipped out, Duny must go and live with Great Aunt Lydia - a very different life. But he always remembers that his duty is to the regiment - and his endearing loyalty reveals a dark family secret.