The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-04-24
A QUICK TRANSITION.

| Mr.. Jason johnson was intensely and
/ undeniably bored. It was really the only
way open for his being uncomforta BILE, and
he realized that he had travelled far along
its monotonous paths.
His gaze wandered around the walls Of
his splendid library, and he sighed as he
recalled the interest he had once taken in
collecting those familiar volumes, and the
fine pictures, bric-a-brac and statuary-
souvenirs of his foreign pilgrimages
Five years before his elderly sister had
come to preside over his household and
him. She brought with her young girl,
whose dead mother had been her intimate
friend, and for whose sake she had under
taken the care and guardianship of the
child, who had been the sunshine and
comfort of her Hfe-slong with Providence
and Jason. Indeed, it seemed that of these
three it was Margaret Bright who usually
ordered the affairs, domestic and social, in
the establishment.
The master of the home was persistently
endeavoring to discover why his life had
become so embarrassing that no amount
of variety seemed to impart spice thereto.
He drove and derived physical benefit
from the air and the management of his
horses But he could not say he found
pleasure in the pastime. He played pool
every evening because his physician ad-
vised it, but he played with the demean-
or of a martyr who does his special sort
of martyrdom particularly well. Occa-
sionally he lectured before some literary
society. He talked anything, from law to
athletics, with the college youths who paid
frequent visits to his brownstone mansion,
when Margaret was at home. In winter
he went south. In summer the Adiron-
dacks or the Canadian forests yielded fish
or game to his rod or gun. But of late he
was obliged to confess that he was weary
of these sports, and he did not consider it
- -
shooting last resource. So he bitterly
reflected that he must have reached that
time when some men discover that they
are mo longer so young as they were. -
This line of thought was interrupted by
the entrance of his sister Della and her
ward.
"Your sister has been telling me that
you did not live here when you were a boy
and that you were not always wealthy. I
wish you to tell me about it, concluded
this impetuous young woman.
81 was very poor and ambitious and
happy he said, with an odd little smile
as though he were joking instead of utter
ing the solemn and amazing truth. "Per-
haps you would not care to hear of the
struggle and the results (Again that
queer Pickering smile, and the very serious
expression of the eyes seemed to contra
dict each other and puzzled the girl, who
was watching his face).
''But after I was graduated in law I
found that possessed just $40. After
tedious time possessed so cents. I went
to a prominent business man and told him
must have something to do. He might
have given me a place as porter, but he
gave me less certain thing-a bad bill to
collect. I called on the debtor. He was
polite but unrespOnsive. 1 called again.
He was suave, but, so far as yielding to my
demands, as immovable as Gibraltar.
n hsa E1snp 4 fa1i.
and I always visited him when he returned
from lunch. He became indignant, but I
was unremittingly persistent, and at last
he gave me bad debt, promising to settle
my claim if 1 could collect his money.
81 was discouraged, but by plan SINH
lar to the one 1 had long rehearsed, I made
myself so annoying that to be rid of me
the man somehow got the money and paid
me. I enjoyed a good dinner myself that
day and since then have never wanted any
necessity. That. my Meg, was not the
kind of story you were expecting, was itP''
Margaret did not answer, for the maid
announced a visitor and she passed into
the drawing room, where young Mr.. Philip
Warren was waiting. Jason johnson rose
and went to bookcase and examined sew
eral old volumes. He busted them care
fully and replaced them tenderly-they
were the first he had ever been able to pur-
chase, and to him they represented much.
d L
there is something serious between our lit
tie girl and this Mr.. Warren. Don't you
think him fine young man and worthy
our APPROVAL I won't say that any one is
worthy of Margaret" she added jealousy.
Mr. johnson busted another of his treas
ures, and there was some moisture in his
eyes, as was only natural, maybe. Eyes,
Della, think you are correct in your sus-
pioions. I have watched them occasion
ally, and I feel certain that Philip is in
terested, and am afraid, oh, mean, be-
Heve he is a person to whom we could offer
no objections except that he is very
young"
Miss Della did not observe her brother
suddenly color like a schoolgirl, as he care
fully returned the book-upside down,
however-to its place. He was very pale
when he returned to his chair, but she left
the library without observing that either.
Presently Margaret returned and stood
facing him and looking greatly disturbed.
''What is it, Meggie? Are you-that is
it seems to me, he left rather carly
Eyes, sent him away. He asked me
to marry him, and I am sorry he did.
Somehow I never realized before how a
man like him is dependent upon others,
but tonight I thought if he were thrown
on his own resources, as you were once,
he would never surmount all obsta-
cles. am sure he is not strong enough.
And while he was speaking, he appeared
so like boy, so very young
'Oh, Meg cried Jason johnson. "Do
you think me SO very old?''
Margaret Bright was looking directly
into his eyes, and I have often heard that
there is magnetism in a glance. However
that may be, know he drew her to him
and held her close to his hungry heart.
And in that new and great happiness he
found complete compensation for the many
dreary, empty days that were past.-Cin-
cinnatl Post.
A Coat of Paint.
A judicious use of paint will transform