The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-06-14
FOLLOWED.

''Oh. I've had such a fright" Esther
said breathlessly as she came in.
Really! Dear mel" I said. What
was it2' Esther laid her sketchbook
on the table and threw off her cape.
I've been followed by man.
He didn't catch YOU L required.
Don't be silly Esther replied. I
tell you he followed me. III never
think Of walking home SO late again
alone
How did you know you were follow
ed? Did you look arOund2"
of course didn't; but a girl can tell
when any one is following her"
"She can tell a policeman" I sug-
gested. Esther reflected a moment as
she drew off her gloves
Yes, of course, she said. But the
poor man wasn't really doing any
harm, you know So there was moth
ing to tell-really."
''Then why disturb yourself about
'oh, you can't understand how a girl
feels, said Esther, looking little an
noyed-
thought you came home in a cab.
'Fron the marble arch" said Ess-
Their Il couldn't endure it any longer.
I walked as fast as 1 could and he
slowly to let him pass, he walked
slowly, too. Twice crossed to the
other side OF the street. And-would
you believe it-he crossed too / sim
ply had to take a cab"
1T was close shave" I said-'tyery
close shave indeed" Esther looked at
me rather doubtfully.
"But-do you. think he meant to do
anything?" she asked.
Well" I said. Il can hardly say,
without knowing his previous career
OF course he might have been a high
wayman, and, On the other hand-hello.
Martin! Come in.
Il beg your pardon" said Martin,
hating in the doorway. I thought
you were alone"
"All right" I said It was expecting
you. You know my sister We were
just discussing the possibility
George, don't" said Esther under
her breath
the possibility" continued, of
assault and battery and highway rob
berry upon an unattended young Wo-
man. What do you think about it2'
That's rather curious, said Martin,
sitting down. "Only this evening
have benin sense-protecting a
female in distress. was confronted
by a problem, and I should like your
opinion on it. Miss Matthews"
Martin looked at Esther, who turned
slightly in her chair with an obviously
assumed air of interest. I can never
understand why Esther does not like
Martin, though I am quite certain she
doesn't.
II spotted her. said Martin, hurry
ing along just in front of me. She was
a lady, and I could see she was very
uncomforta Bile at being out so late
alone. It really distressed me to see her
edging into the road to make way for
polite and inofensiVe people. When she
heard a couple of men coming along
singing, she almost ran, and then al
N ost stood still to let them get in front
! Of her. Now, there was a problem for
me-
Il don't see that there was any prob
lem at ALL" said Esther, turning her
face a little more toward the fire away
from Martin.
Here was a girl" said Martin who
was frightened, though there was really
nothing to be afraid of-so frightened
i that she was running backward and
| forward across the road whenever she
4 saw anyone within 80 yards. Doubtless
I she was a silly little goose But she
| going in the same direction 1t was my
| obvious duty to assure her of safety.
| The problem was how to assure her
/ My first idea was to follow her until I
saw her safely home. But then 1t
struck me that she wouldn't know I
was behind. and so I would be doing
/ her no good at all and giving myself
a lot of trouble"
You might" I suggested, have call
/ ed a cab and offered to give her lift. F"
Martin shook his head.
No" said he, that would never dc.
Do you think so, Miss Matthew'S"
Il really don't know anything about
| it." said Esther.
Well said Martin, ''this was my
/ solution: L determined to address her
| spectfully-tel her I had noticed hef
embarrassment. assure her l was re-
/ spectful-lived in house and served on
i juries and all that-and offer to walk 4
dozen yards behind her until she reach
/ ed her front door and then leave her
without speaking. What do you think
of that2"
You didn't do it?'' 1 said.
I. NO" said Martin. Just as I had
nearly OYertaken her a lot of rowdy men
came along and she jumped into cab.
/ So didn't bother myself any further
What did she look like?" asked Es-
| Their with her face still turned toward
/ the fire
ooh, like a girl" said Martin, Just
/ an ordinary girl-with one of those silly
capes thas girls wear"
Anything like this?' 1 asked, picking
up Esthers cape
Martin looked at the cape at Esther.
/ whose face looked very red in the fire
light; at the sketchbOok on the table,
and then at Esther again.
I viii say good night" said Esther,
! rising.
ooh, but stammered Martin, you're
You gave me a dreadful fright"
said Esther
But my dear Miss Matthews. I was
only anxious to do you a service
It was no use: she sWeDt ont of the