The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-01-05

AASA WIZ AC ACA
MY dear Beatrice, we all know
that so long as you can cut your hus-
bands quilts and keep his ink well
filed, you are happy; if you hadn't
been my friend. Tn not sure I
shouldn't have volunteered to take
your place while you were in Eng
land" Mrs. Merydith laughed in
diligently. "Only, as say, I'm afraid
of clever men. Your husband always
seems to be trying to find one out, to
dissect one's moral nature. No, you,
needn't be afraid, Beatrice. I shall
not fiirt with George
MY poor Stephie. I'm afraid you
won't find any body else to hirt with"
"Oh, really?''
There was a world of meaning in
the two words, and Mrs. Merydith's
eyes lighted with curiosity.
what do you mean, Stephie?''
Nothing that the even
ings here are very warm, and that it
is very pleasant to sit in the twilight
with windows Open
''What on earth are you talking
about?''
I've made conquest dear"
ANOASOhSCt 1ACdA INV 10 II BOS-
sible? You say you haven't been any
where, that you haven't spoken to
any body"
''Oh, but celia n'empeche pas les
sentiments! Wouldn't you adore
man who called you his star and his
queen?"
What do you mean?"
Listen. 1 had been here about
three days, when one evening, bout
this time, I threw the window open
and was standing looking out over the
trees, when suddenly I heard mans
voice speaking very softly; every
thing was so still that l couldn't help
hearing"
''Well?"
Il never was made love to so
beautifully before, Beatrice. didn't
think it was meant for me at first.
golden hair shining aureole-l like
round my fair face'-wasn't that
lovely?"
But who is the man2 What did
you do?''
81 didn' do anything at all. I was
rather startled, and shut the window
very softly; the next night, though,
exactly the same thing happened.
Ibid you tell George?"
Certainly not-men are so absurd;
and 1 didn't want my Romeo inter-
fered with. No. he comes every
evening; he is awfulLy in love with
me, Beatrice; says that he can't live
without my love, that must speak
to him, and all that sort of thing Last
night he got SO terribly excited that
he almost shrieked to me to answer
him. I was quite frightened"
''How consumedly imper tinent! OF
course you haven't spoken to the
creature?"
Il haven't seen him-except very
dimly. I only stand at the window
and smile down at him pityingly.''
Mrs Merydith laughed outright.
"You are too absurd, Stephanie. It's
lucky 1 came back; George must get
rid Of this romantic young gentleman
for YOU"
ST don't want him to be got rid OF,
thank you. He interests me-"
But, Leslie"
my dear Beatrice, Leslie has moth
ing to do with the matter; he is only
my husband-not my keeper. Be
sides, l am SO sorry for my poor lover;
1 want to be an aching void in his
life, as some body says somewhere. L
think it must be rather nice
"Do be serious, Stephaniel The
whole affair is simply ridiculous; but
you must promise me not to go to the
window again
Mrs. TraverS sprang up with merry
ripple of laughter, and softly unlatch-
ed the long window, stepping on to
the small balcony. Her friend fol-
lowed her quickly and tried to draw
her back.
''Hush!" whispered Ste phanie, cram
ing her neck forward, and then
from among the darkened trees. still
flushed from the rays of the dying
sunset, rose a passionate, thrilling
voice:
Love you'll Could a man see you
and not be your slave? Having seen
you, could he live without your love?
Sweetheart speak, speak to me,
answer me-oh, answer"
A woman's laugh rang sharply
through the silence, and Mrs. Merry
dith sank against the open window,
Quivering with mirth- Stephanie,
aghast and amazed, stared at her
friend.
'Bea trice, what is the matter?''
"Your 1over-oh, Stephanie!-how
absurd, how ridiculousi" And she
made her way back to the room. still
shaking with merriment.
my dear child,'' she continued, re-
covering herself, ''your Romeo is re-
hearsing the love scene in my hus-
bands new play; he is staying with
us, and that is the grand TRADE! Oh,
Stephie, Stephie, how absurdl''
Mrs. Travers drew herself up little
stiff1y, but the comedy of the situa-
ton was too much for her, and
through the pauses of the wonen's
laughter came still the passionate