The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-07-17
HE WON HER.
Walter Oa1kvi11e's Persistence Melted Him
= Bride In the End

= Bride IN the End
'tNo, Walter,'' said Caroline Geranium,
with determination that her trembling
bosom would not stifie, 81 cannot marry
you. I would not conceal the fact that I
have and do cherish warm sentiment for
you, bat you are too poor, Walter, to sup
port me as would wish to be supported
as a wife,
Walter Oakville felt his heart almost
burst asunder, but he knew only too we'll
that his souls idol had spoken the truth.
For moment he stood as if struck dumb,
and then, as his cheeks grew whittier, he
spoke in almost whispered accents.
Caroline he said, ''your confession
bids me hope that / may some day claim
you for my own. Tell me, darling. that
you will nurse the affection you bear me,
and that you will be ready to put your
hand in mine when come to you again
and am able TO care for you as you desire
The proud, beautiful head bendt low,
and Caroline Geranium said she would be
steadfast unto death.
Walter Oakville was made of sturdy
stuff, and his nature brooked no obstacle
when his soul placed goal for his ambi-
tion to attain. He had determined to make
Caroline Geranium his bride, and she had
plainly indicated that she needed sub
stance as well as sentiment when she en-
tered the married state. He was making
So week in the collection of debts. AID
additional 81 would make Caroline and
bliss attainab1e.
Walter OakviIle mounted the steps of the
Associated Charities. Secretary Emery
looked up from the satisfied perusal Of
commendatory resolutions No. g. Oil of the
board of directors and inquired his bust
ness Walter OakVille quickly told it. Il
am a young man, as you see, - he began,
''but I ann unfortunate. l have closely
followed the philanthropic movement
which is destined to eradicate poverty by
assisting it's victims in agricultural pur-
suits. What want is vacant lot and
some potato seed with a scattering of
beans, if you will be so kind
Secretary Emery beamed upon Walter
Oakville, and proffered his escort to the
headquarters of the potato committee on
Ninth street.
Four days afterward Walter Oakville
planted bushel of lime covered quarter
sections of Early Rose potatoes on the
western slope of a suburban hill, destined
one day to be villa site. On the outskirts
of this prospective patch he planted three
quarts of beans and gill of moth balls.
Why moth balls? Because the potato COM
mittee shrewdly mixed moth balls with
their beans to prevent would be farmers
from planting them in soup kettles, and
the potatoes We're cON6reu Will 411Ho 1Or d
similar purpose.
Early and late worked Walter Oakville,
now hoeing the rows of his patch and
again carrying water from the hydrant to
moisten his vegetable graves. Ever and
anon he would take clip of bills and dun
the sluggish debtors in their lairs. Through
all his duty he thought of Caroline &C.
| ranium.
If Walter Oakville was proud the day
! b ont To
patch and praised his humble efforts, he
was overjoyed when he heard that system
of reward had been decided on.
III.
f'We have been assured by friend of
our cause, - said the chairman, she will
give 81 each for the first bushel of potatoes
raised under our plan and delivered at the
committee rooms. Your patch is looking
fine but you'll have to get hustle on you
to beat Erasmus Collins, who is growing
his potatoes in East Washington"
Walter Oakville hoed with more tremen-
dous energy after this and carried prodi-
gious quantities Of water. On the 18th OF
September Walter Oakville after nightfa1l
dug up potato plant Upon its roots
there hung 81 potatoes. He put them in
his vest pocket and retired TO happy dreams
of Caroline Geranium. With the garbage
horn he was astir in the morning, and ere
noon the sun was shriveling PROSTATE po-
tato plants and Walter Oakville was toll
ing toward Ninth street car with a bush
el of potatoes on his back.
"a dollar apiece, - he calculated. It'll
break the central relief committed
Proudly he deposited his sack on the Ia
bic of the potato committee. A great
chorus of joyful cries arose from the mem
bers.
s'You have beaten Erasmus Collins, and
the reward will be yours!'' exclaimed the
happy chairman.
Eager hands united the portly sack and
eager eyes grew wide as the contents came
in view.
"He has brought back the moth balls, -
cried an indignant committee man.
No. gasped the chairman, "they are
potatoes"
Walter OakviIIe, as we have said, was
made of sturdy stuff. He scorned the Offer
Of a compromise. He had raised the first
bushel of potatoes and had rightly won the
reward. The newspapers would know Of
it if he was not justly treated. Walter
Oakville carried his point. With proud
heart and 81, 427 he left the broken hearted
philanthropists. With ST. 426 he claspeC
| Caroline Geranium in his arms and pressed
his lips to hers just as the clerk of thu
court was writing in his day book:
Received 81 for one marriage license
Walter Oakville and Caroline Geranium. ,
Washington Post.
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