The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-04-27

ment against yours she said, curtly-
but as 1 seemed to have nothing TO
lose 4 determined to get my own back
And she has bright, lively eyes2
i on know best" she retorted-
of course" I laughed, I know best
had quite forgotten that"
She bridIed somewhat
humorous2
Yes. Isn't it meant to be?''
Perhaps it doesn't suggest itself to
you that your present conduct IS the
reverse Of gentlemanly2
I must say I admitted, I am some
what in doubt as to a good many
I'm glad you admit something"
For example," I continued, the
meaning of your attack on me-"
dead horse2'
My density must be my excuse"
'Well," she said. 4 must give you
credit for playing the game 50 we'll.
~.
But you have still something to learn
in the technique
"A good actor is liable to cut a poor
figure if the stage effects go against
him..
Il suppose so''
She turned as if to leave me.
BY the way" she added, Il must
apologize for opening your bag.
Ny bag?"
Wen she said, II didn't think it Of
you. 1t was mistake, though. to put
DO you mean said, the facts sud
denly bursting upon me, that you
found this photograph, with the letters.
in my bag?''
Your Intelligence is marvellous she
s.But how started.
Glow did I happen to open your bag2
It was put in my room by mistake,
suppose"
Il sae,' I said, lamely.
Its bad having two bags exactly
alike. I had opened yours before I no
ticed your initials"
and you found these things inside?''
asked again.
Yes, yes. hundred times" she said
angrily.
"On my honor know nothing about
them. 1 have never seen the lady whom
this photograph represents"
You still persist2" she asked.
Il speak the truth"
Then there is no more to be said. You
Will consider our acquaintance at an
end"
She turned to go as Phil approached.
He looked at US apd lifted his eye
brows.
DO I intruder" he asked.
Pm just going" said Miss Dixon,
and, turning to me, will you see that
my bag is sent to my room?"
Isn't it there?" asked Phil
There has been a mistake I said.
Miss Dixon has opened my bag instead
of her own"
Or he said. did you" and ne
stopped.
Whats the matter" asked.
4 slipped a photograph inside at The
station he replied q found your bag
was unlocked, and
but why did you put it there?"
said quickly.
wen" he smiled, "a finger of Fate
has TO do something 10 justify its ex-
Miss Dixon turned t. him sharply.
SO you" she said, sent the wrong
bag to my room n
He bowed, smiling.
"A finger of Fatet" he repeated.
Il hate you" she said. and went
He turned to me-
.sWem. aren't you going to thank me.
old man2" he asked.
THANK you2' 7 calculated. 1T seems
to me a dirty trick
Don't be a fool, Hal" he laughed.
Don't you see the mere fact of her
bringing you the photo. shows she cares
for ycu2"
Il knew that before" I retorted.
''And now?''
Well, that tear, the quivering lips and
our recent conversation had told Their
tale, and I did not answer for I was
more than sure
f'She hates you I said.
''She always did, he laughed.
'tAnd you think you have helped me?''
81 know you're not fool. Hal"
'eWen,'' 1 said, I'll go and see about
the bag"
you may keep the photo.'' he called
after me.
did. till the next day. when burn
it before Gertrude.
T thought She said, that it could
scarcely belong to you
She had said something else before, 50
I did not suggest that her manner on
the previous day had belied her.
And what about Phil?" I murmured
4 don't know she queried. Il sup
pose we must bow before Fate
And it was only a fnger?" suggest
ed
but it has done lot, she whispered
And agreed.