The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-03-23
Maggie'S Enlightenment.

tAIaggie.''
These exclamations-the former in a
tone of fearful entreaty. the latter in de-
lighted surprfse-burst simultaneously
from the two young people who faced
each other across an apartment which
was half parlor half workroom and
| evidently the abode of a bachelor.
Il couldn't stand it any longer, Jack"
the girl went on to say, after certain
tender passages. Mother has made my
life a burden, with DR.. Kerr this. and
DR. Kerr that a most eligible
man. desirable partner and SO on She
is quite under his influence; and, II L
stayed at home, he'd influence me, TOO,
against my will. for there's something
about him that fascinates as well as re-
pels me He reminds me of a hand
some boa-constrictor. Let's get married
at once, dear, and face the future To-
gether. am a careful little housewife,
and could do something to swell the
income till your position improves
Jack, otherwise Mr. John Ludlow,
looked a little blank for a moment, then
a smile lit up his face, and he said,
What a little goose it isl I'm anxious
enough TO be mated, goodness knows,
but people can't be married at an hour S
notice even with the Bank Of England
at back of them Then. noticing the
girls heightened color and distressed
expression, he added, But love will find
out a way. as the OLD song says. I've
an aunt, dear old soul; I'll take you
to her. She lives not far away, at
Bronpton, and Well be married imme-
diately on my return.
ION your returnI Where are you 60
ing. JacK2"
stupid Of nre; but your advent has
sent my wits Woolgathering, and
haven't told Won of a slice of good luck
that viii put US above daily worries
about the butcher. baker, and candle
stick-mal1er- \ firm that I have done
some designs for have employed me to
so over to Paris for the exposition to
attend to a show of art metal work,
for the first month The honorarium
is a liberal one, and they have promised
to hnd me permanent employment after
ward here What do you think of
thar2'
20. Jack, it sounds delightful, You're
not telling me this to cheer me up q
rather face the truth"
les decided fact darling; start
tomorrow, and they have advanced me
e 25 toward expenses Let me give you
some; I shall get on all right
mo. dear; not a penny. I've brought
my own little savings, and my port
manteau is at the luggage office. j
couldn't bring more away, but mother
will come round to the inevitable and
send my belongings and all she can
spare. feel sure. Things have come
right for US, Jack" .
s'Yo,l are certainly courageous and
optimistic little person" said the young
fellow with enthusiasm. Now come
along at once. we'll get your luggage
have something to eat and give aunt
a surprise. I must telegraph to your
mother. too
7 left little note" said the girl, with
tears in her eyes Poor mother;
hope she won't be very unhappy over
it, but really 1 couldn't endure the
shell takesit in the right spirit. We
shall have a seolding, and then things
viii settle down"
RCs Mrs. Devcn's mood, when she had
read her daughters farewell epistle and
the lovers explanatory letter, was far
from kindly She apcstrophized Masgie
as Z. silly and audacious little chit,
and Jack as a pennies adenturer. and
resolved to break of the match without
scandal if possible. during the lovers
sojourn on the continent. Her thoughts
turned to DR.. Kerr as an ally, and sae
sent for that gentleman when her mind
was fully made up.
The doctor very soon put in an APP
peaTance, for his friends hastily serb
bled note. Maggie left home. Want
your advice and help. please" aroused
very mixed feelings in his breast He J
was tall, rather impCsing-lookingm man, /
urGeniably handsome after his style, and !
there was much power behlnd the small /
steady eyes-eyes which had earned tcr I
him Maggie's title Of boa ontrictor."
ooh, DR.. Kerri I'm 50 glad you've !
come. please read this" said Mrs. Devon I
as she put Jacks letter into his hands |
Delighted to be of service answered |
the doctor
I'm determined that the marriage /
Sildll LDl TAKE RlaCG- / w. 4AJA OSAACNI /
the tale about regular employment and !
so on these unsuccessful daubars are /
mendacious to a degree"
II gather that the gentleman is an ar /
tist,D the doctor observed.
He calls himself one. TOnder IS his /
portrait of Maggie. I've turned the face 4
to the wall, you see. 1 can't bear the
sight of it,
'.There's a photograph of him in tke
album. opposite to one Of my daughter,
if you care to see it. Mrs Devon said,
still in great irritation
Kerr took up the album, found the
young fellows likeness, and studied 1t SO
long that his hostess began to lose pat
fence.
said. tanning herself vigorously; I hope
his good looks-which do not appeal 20
my notion, 1 may say-have not be-
witched you as they have Maggie"
Nothing Of the kind, assure you
retOrted Kerr, blandly; but I seem to
have a sort of recollection of the face.
trust that I am mistaken, for the rec
election scarcely does the original cred
it,"
"OhF' cried Mrs. Devon, impuIsively.
my poor girl. Doctor, you'll help me 10
fight against her infatuation, will you
with all my heart, provided that my
memory has played me no trick. May
I take this portrait for a day or two to
attempt to verify the recollection?"
by all means Oh, I'm SO glad / sent
for you, and Maggie will learn to thank
you for saving her from this designing
person"
That young lady was uncomfortably
surprised to see DR.. Kerr ushered il. a
week or so after her flight Hes sent
to fetch me back" she thought. well,
I'm of age, and he dare not use force.
We shall see
You see in me, Miss Devon" said the
doctor, "a man charged with an IN
pleasant though kindly mission
II m not coming back, Maggie broke
in rebelliously.
Kerr's face took on a plying express