The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-11-06

dirg nature and Chance sent her down
on another visit to the seaboard city.
In the meantime EIlery was prevent
ed from changing the trend of events
by catching the mining fever and going
off to the Outjutting spurs to explore
more holes in the ground.
No matter how slightly and carefully
some women lift the lids of Cheir hearts
in confidence, the contents thereof, like
those in the box of Pandora are likely
to fly out to the last little particle. Lutte
happened to be such creature and it
also happened that ErneStlne mad ac-
quired a certain knack necessary to
draw from her her maiden secrets.
The night they remained awake and
talked so long, Lute's intentions We're
to diVulge, oh, such a little bit of the
case; but gradually, insensibly, she
drifted on, giving notice to more and
more, till suddenly Ernestine's ears
caught the confederation o. familiar
phrases and her What's that2" pre-
cipitated affairs Then a reciprocal re-
lation attached itself to their conf
dences and they weighed and balanced
their respective merits and dement's as
interpreted by the prOtean-tOngued LOr-
en- EIlery. After that, and the immed-
late pangs of chagrin and Personal af-
front had passed, they laughed and fell
asleep in each others arms, as sisters
should.
Loren Ellery unconcernedly staged
and trailed it through the mountains,
descending deep shafts and winding
through OBVIOUSLY constructed man
burrows, learning the ways of the west
ern man and his habitat, and adding to
his vocabulary the nomenclature of the
mines and the 1d1Om OF the frontier
And he had become quite western him
self, don't you know, and quite proud
of his attachments ami his mineral pro-
perties by the time of the fall of the
year, when he returned to the city and
betOok himself to a certain residence
and sent up his card. He had asked
for Ernestine, but incidentally it so
c-ses
receiving him.
Conversation picked its sinuous
thread through the unctuous nOthings
and polite inanities of impersonaI small
talk; Ellery contriving. in his subtle
way, to convey to each that his inter
est had not dWindled, and all went
we'll Words flowed easily, naturally,
without jar or premonition of coming
discord.
"Ah, what a striking young man."
Ellery murmured, in a, lull, gazing ad-
miringly upon a portrait suspended
from the wall opposite him. ''And may
ask whose it is?'
My cousin George" Ernestine in
formed him; "the one in the navy,
think I told you about"
And is he not a handsome chap?" he
continue.
Indeed he is" authenticated Ernest
tine.
But not like his brother Herman"
Lutte chimed in.
AN extremely nice young man." Err
nestine continued, with vim and go
about him and energy and 1nanliness.'
Yes, dare say" Ellery put in, alb
sently, puzzling over the familiarity of
the phrase.
And so different from his brother"
came back from Lute's side of the duet.
Isn't it funny from Ernestine;
hes just the kind of a man girls lose
their hearts to, yet
Il could not love him as would Her
man." Lutte interpOlated, taking up her
portion of the measure.
How stranger Ellery was beginning
to fall a victim to decidedly definite sus-
piciOns.
AN estimable young man.
Whom 1 could like"
But not as / could his brother"
Whom I could admire
''But not as Herman
Ellery knew they were grilling him,
and smiled vacuOusly.
Whom I can respect
"And might have loved"
HAD not met"
His brother Herman
"And who-why, Mr.. Ellery.' Ernest
inc broke off, as innocentIy as she did
abruptly; you are not going? And so
soOn?'
Most charming time, assure you,''
Ellery had glanced at his watch and
risen to his feet, a barely discernible
color in his cheeks, but managing to
hold himself in hand. so nice to see
you girls again. don't you know; but
must be moving on. -
But won't you stay just a moment
and have some tea?'' Ernestine made
a half move to strike the bell.
Really, I would like to, ever so
much" He was methodically edging to
the door the while he spoke. Had no
idea it was so late. time flew so; but
I must meet a man with a prospectus
this mining, you know, is so deucedIy
distracting."
Then, good bye, Mr. ElIery." Ernest
ines larynx was delicateIy vibrant with
disap pOintment as she finally extended
her hand. You must come again
And see our cousin George
''And his brother Herman"
Hes just as he is in his picture, and
I know you will like him"
But different from the way you will
like his brother Herm@
But Loren Ellery, fearing an attack
of primordial passion, fled incontinently
down the stairs.