The Topeka state journal., 1899-10-24
LOVES YICISsITUDES.
[From the Boston Post.l ]

"Tm going to enjoy myself all can
for the next three weeks, for after that
I shall have to settle down into nice
respectable matron;'' and the speaker
drew down her pretty mouth in mock
solemnity-
That doesn't sound as if it were
pleasure bic anticipation" observed her
companion
There, Alvin. what makes you take
everything so seriously OF course
didn't mean it in that way, exclaimed
Edna, half impatiently-
They had been engaged for some time
and the day had been decided upon
which should see them united for life.
Edna Lewis was a bright, vivaciOus
girl, with mischief lurking in her gray
eyes. She loved excitement, while Al
win Hall was quiet and rather grave
May 1 ask" he inquired, what are
the dissipatiOns you are planning for
these three Weeks2'
well. there's Laura's party and the
moonlight excursion Of the club, and
the circus is coming next week-you'n
take me to that won't you, Alvin?'
Ny dear Edna, you know my views
on that subject. 1 do not think it a
proper place for a lady to visit
7 don't think it's any harm, and I've
set my heart on going
TO please me you Will not go. Edna
he said quietly.
We'll. 1 shall. Jack Woods offered to
take me.and I said Of course you would.
If you won't I'll go with him, that's ALL -
she exclaimed
Very we'll. if you choose TO disregard
my wishes I cannot prevent it, and
with that he bade her gOOd-by.
A week passed At the party Edna
met Jack Woods.
I suppose you and Alvin are going
to the circuS2'' he remarked. casually
Going to be a big thing this year"
NO. Alvin isn't going" she replied
He does not approve Of those things"
''WheWt Aren't we good all at once2
1rerF0 rro -rafa7H
you pleasure"
SO Edna thought, and when Jack re-
neWed his offer Of escort TO the forbid
den place she accepted it. Somehow,
though, she did not enjoy the perform
ance much, and as time went on her
lovers manner showed that he had not
forgiven her. Those were unhappy
days. Edna was too proud to show her
regret, and only those nearest her knew
that she suffered. Alvin Hall went
west, and reports came to her that he
had married and settled down. It was
then that Jack asked her to be his wife
and she consented, though acknowledge
ing that her heart had been given to
another. She made him a cozy home.
however, and soon three little ones
came to bless it.
But one day the change came. Her
husband was brought home insensible.
and the doctor said that paralysis
would prevent him from ever working
again. Then Edna faced the problem
bravely. She obtained work as a dress
maker and earned enough TO maintain
the family. At length her husband died,
and she was alone with her children,
the Oldest of whom. a bright boy of 10
was employed in a store. One day he
came home breathless.
Mother" he exclaimed, to-day two
ladies came in. and one was asking
where she could find a good dressmak-
er- 1 made bold to speak about you,
and she gave me her card, and said
would you please call tomorrow.
I am glad of it, Jack" said his
mother, for am not busy just now
The next day found her at the resi-
dence Of Mrs Gleason Her references
oelng satisfactory, that lady gave her
dress to be finished by the following
Saturday Edna worked at il early and
late, and at the appointed time she
stood again on the step of that dwell
ing 50 different from her own. A gen
tleman answered the bell and invited
her inside.
Mrs Woods. is 1t nOt?" he asked
My sister said that she expected you.
and, as she was called out. she wished
you to await her return"
As he placed a chair for ner she
thanked him; but something in her
manner made him observe her closely.
Her eyes wandered from a portrait in
one corner of the room to the face OF
the man before her The picture was
of a young man with dark serious ewes
and a broad, high forehead When
Edna saw it, she started and turned
Are You nl2" inquired the gentle
man He approached her Good
heavens" he cried, is it Edna, after
all these years2'
1t is strange that we should meet
again here" she murmured, trying tC
calm herself
Yes" he answered. How have YOU
Jared since saw you? Is your-hus-
band weu2'
My husband died five years ago
ily2"
Iney have been taken from me-
am alone. except for nv sister,
1hey We're silent for a little. each oc-
cupled with many thoughts. At last
Alvin spoke.
I have much to ask forgiveness for
ne said My heart has not changed
through my long absence. Tell me. car
you forgive my arrOganCe2'
It was my fault, every bit of it she
exclaimed, with something of her Oh
iInpetuosity, but I paid the penalty
she added
Then say we may begin over again .
he said eagerly, and make bright tIe
short time that is left to Us here wiz
you, dear?'
You don't know what You are saw.
ing" she faltered There are lack
= and Elsie, and little Alvin
And, best of all, there is Edna % and
he held her fast.
The door opened at this point auf
Hrs. Gleason stood amazed.
Ny dear" said her brother. with ar
arm around his first and last love. -
anGia6 you found g. dressmakerv bu1