The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-03
A SENSIBLE MAN.

sensible, " pronounced the maidens with
ONO voice.
Such harmonious structure of public
opinion could hardly have been erected
without some foundation, and Jack Wilton
did possess many of the qualities that
made the general verdict just.
In the first place, he had shown his good
sense by keeping level head when he had
distinguished himself as center rush on
the university eleven. He was the same
fellow after being carried on the shoulders
of his companions in enthusiastic honor of
his brilliant playing that he was when in
training as a freshman sub.
1t was then that people began to notice
his good sense and to comment upon it. It
pleased them and grew upon them.
To be sure, he did not take honors at
graduation; but, then, one man cannot be
expected to do everything. And later he
made up for ali else by going to work for
himself instead of quietly and easilT- drop
ping into business with his father, as SO
many young men do and as all expected
him to do.
But when, after three successful years,
people saw him growing into commercial
prominence the public was confirmed in
its opinion that Jack Wilton was a sensi-
BILE man.
Society's doors were open for him, and
enviable one.
1t was well expressed by Katherine
Mann as she stood chatting with group
of girls at Mrs. Willoughby-We recep-
ton.
'There comes Jack Wilton" she said,
"the most fortunate man in town. When
no came out of school, he might have had
the pick of the city, and now the bellies of
the whole state are at his feet"
d. L. i. IL
in Marietta Hodges. "He treats all the
girls alike
Don't you think he shows some prefer
ence for Nellie Grayson2' asked another
girl. "Lookl He is talking to her now.''
"HerI'' exclaimed chorus of oontemp-
tuous voices.
what has she to recommend her to
him?''
"why, she hasn't thought above par
ish charities and stocking darning."
"That insignificant little prudei
Humphl'
"You may just put it down that Jack
Wilton is looking for a better match than
he would make by marrying the rector's
daughter
but her family began the girl who
had precipitated the storm.
ooh, her familyl" sneered the girl
whose coat of arms should have been leg
of mutton and cleaver, with calf ram
pant. You don't suppose that as sensible
man as Jack Wilton is going to let the
little matter of family connections out
weigh the more important considerations
of life. If she's scheming for him on that
score, I'm afraid there's little chance for a
Grayson- Wilton combination"
The laugh which the girls gave at shis
sally toned down into very proper smile
as they bowed to Nellie as she passed up
the room with Jack.
The same course of events which made
the talking public hold its breath in sur
prise gave the girl who had mentioned
Nellie Grayson's name the opportunity of
saying, 81 told you sou
After the first surprise of the thing was
over the ambitious mammas said:
"Oh, of course, Nellie is a very nice girl
an excellent girl in fact-but''- And
the acquiescent papas added, sob, very
excellent girl-an exemplary girl, but
The bachelors chuckled, and the maiden
contingent waited in demure silence. But
the undercurrent of thought in the minds
of all save the bachelors was, "He is en-
tirely too sensible to be in earnest with
that girl"
Meanwhile Jack was bestowing his al
most undivided attention on Nellie, and
she seemed in nowise displeased.
The rector did not discourage their in
tinacy, but he Gid not profess to under
stand it, good, easy going, unworldly old
man that he was. He could never think
of his daughter otherwise than as the de-
mure maiden, who was ever at his side,
his constant confidante and helper.
The girl herself did not understand it,
and only knew that she felt joy in the
presence of this man which was like no
other joy. But she knew his position, the
most eligible of all eligibles, and her pleas
ure was tempered with humility.
Indeed Jack seemed to be the only per-
so1 who was really straight and level
headed on the matter, and to Nelly he de-
fined his position very clearly on a mem
orable evening.
"You see, Nellie he said somewhat
diffidently for him. GIVE been loving you
all along, but didn't want to say word
until was in position to ask you with
out presumption. Well, of course don't
mean exactly that, for it's presumption
anyway, but I mean I've been trying to
make myself worthy of you. Don't you
think, Nellie, that you could love me
enough to be my wife and make me a
happy man? I should try so hard to make
you happy in return"
In the sudden rush Of joy only one
thought came to Nellies mind, and she
let it out
Ou, JacEJ 5ne Cr1eo, WuSI WOulQ
everybody say?'
In order to save his po1iteness, Mr. Will
ton rose and went to the door, where he
let forth two very emphatic little words.
The first ono was ''Oh, the last is not to
be mentioned, but it had the effect of send
ing the good rector, who was smoking
quietly in the gloom, hurrying around the
corner in righteous surprise.
Then Mr.. Wilton came back, because he
felt better, and said: well, if I should be
fortunate enough to win you, and every
body doesn't say that I am the luckiest
fellow in the world, then everybody is q
fool. That's all I've got to say"
The rector's consent was Immediately
asked and as soon given. And making a
compromise with his conscience over the
little word he had accidently overheard he
told his daughter that Jack Wilton was at
least sensible Inan.-Kansas City Times