The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-11-18
Cathcart'S Protective Policy.



[Fron the Record Herald
Glum, GUNNER, glummest, Richard
Cathcart sat in his club oarlOr envied
of all his friends, but with great
grudge against the whole world because
the especial preference of one little WO-l
man was denied him. Satiated with the
favOrs of fortune, he had possibly taken
too much for granted, he was much
chagrined when he was refused the sec
ond time. and the finality of his relec-
ton appeared absolute. If he could have
seen himself he would have laughed at
the picture of detection he maze
Laugh2 He felt more like crying, but
men are denied the selfish luxury OF
tears.
MIR. Cathcart was in love with a
widow. She had not used any arts to
attract him and was dismayed at the
violence OF his professionalism Mrs
Katharine Archer had decided never TO
marry again. Why should she? She
had been widow for five years ana
had found life sweet. With money
enough to live as she pleased. its IN
Vestments safely guaranteed by the VIII
OF her late husband, why should she Tie
herself down to the dull routine OF DO
mestic life with another man. She had
been a vine long enough to be tired OF
clinging. She wanted to be free to do
exactly as she pleased. These were the
objections she urged against Mr.. Cath
carts suit-why she remained uncon-
WINGED by his lover-lilIe eloquence.
Were you so happy in your first mar
rage that you dare not venture again.
he boldly asked.
I was reasonably happy with Mr..
Archer" replied the widow, with a lit
tie sigh
Then marry me and let me make you
professionally happy" said the infatuated
lover with fond ipsistence But Mrs
Archer shook her we'll poised head.
Tomorrow l am going to New York,
she replied. I want to go alone every
Where, stop at a hotel like clubWOman,
"a 60 III, not
a maid. 1 am leaving mine at home
shall not join the bohemians, nor be-
come outre in anything. neither VIII
be Obliged to wait the pleasure of some
man on all occasions Other women
travel alone-Why should not II"
Because you are not like other wo-
men," rejoined Richard Cathcart, with
diplomacy. "Oh, my dar-dear Mrs.
Archer, you need a strong arm to pro-
tect you from the rude jOstling of the
world. which is very cruel to the help
less and unprotected"
Mrs. Archer smiled demurely. looking
bewilderingly charming, and although
Richard received his congo the second
time, he could not but acknowledge to
himself that some deliverer would al
ways be at hand were Katharine Archer
in peril Nor did he believe that she
would ever, under any circumstances,
lose her feminine wits. which were
doubled-edged. Discreet to the verge of
prudery, he would have Wagered his
on her part He believed that she was
absolutely capable of taking care of
herself, but regretted any possibility of
such an extremity coming to pass He
knew the many pitfalls laid for the I'M
aware and he wanted to be near her TO
protect her against every man-eXcept
himself.
Mrs. Archer arrived in New York
without the shadow of an adventure,
went to a hotel noted for having once
entertained royalty and secured an ele-
giant suite of rooms. She registered her.
name with her own fair hand and felt
positively delighted to be so capable.
She did not unpack her trunks, being
tired from her trip but decided to wait
until the next morning, when she would
enlist the services of the Chambermaid.
1t was a new experience to answer
knock a her own door. where she found
bell boy with two letters.
For me?" she said surprised but i'm
medtately recognizing the handwriting
on both missives. One was from her
brother and contained key to one of
her trunks which she had overlooked or
forgotten. Three hasty lines accompan-
led it, The Other-eight pages closely
written, bidding her welcome to New
York, and urging her not to be lonely
or miss the solacing company of the
writer too much. Begun in a spirit of
friendly humor, it ended in most pas
siOnate appeal to her heart. and so ac-
centuated the feeling of loneliness it de-
plored that Katharine hurried on her
wraps and went out in the sunshine on
Fifth avenue. There she pulled herself
together mentally and tried hard to dis
miss the feeling that in fleeing from
Richard Cathcart and his love she had
done an unwise thing. Then she re
called the fact that she had in her purse
the address of a dear friend who lived
in Brooklyn, also the number of her
husbands business address on Broad
way. Calling a cab. she soon found
herself at his Office. He was in and
gave her a hearty welcome
Sophie will be delighted to see you,
Mrs. Archer, and as this happens to be
our wedding anniversary, 1 promised to
eat luncheon at home. We will give her
a delightful surprise"
Mrs. Archer made no objection. Posi-
bly, a thought of exultation over her
freedom to do as she pleased accom-
panied the alacrity with which she ac-
cepted the invitation. No man would