Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1902-06-07
BEFORE LEAVE TAKING
Copyright. lsea- Daily Story Pub. CO.
By Z. A. HOWRY.

The season at the national capital
was at It's height; the whir of fashion
was in the air, and it seemed the social
question would if possible absorb the
political one. K street was crowded,
for it was cabinet Day." and two
members of the Presidents official
family resided there within a square of
each other
Some people just think they are
enjoying themselves" Richard Stacy
exclaimed, indicating with his cane
the stream of callers pouring into the
Secretary's door.
They are not after pleasure" Har-
vey Johnston replied, smiling, they
are following the band"
The two men had walked into the
street together and stood in front of
Johnston's home watching the scene.
oh, vanity of vanities.
How Maynard the DEGREES of fate are;
How very weak the very wise,
How very small the very great are.
Stacy quoted-following his friend
into the house
They left their top coats in the hall
and went directly to the library. The
low book cases lining the walls were
filled with handsome volumes, some Of
them rare and difficult to obtain, and
the center table was covered with mag
azines and journals, scientific and po-
Htlcal. A bronze head of Minerva held
the letters and loose papers on the
desk in place.
Stacy seated himself in an easy chair
and appropriated footstool.
Thoughts are battling with each
other for a channel of utterance in this
he clio
busts of statesmen standing guard over
the books, mo wonder your editorials
are surprise to your friends!"
Harvey was amused. But my val
liant illusions are launched from the
office down town.
Nonsense" the army officer per-
sisted, Il do not care where they are
written they are inspired in this room,
l believe in this chair
Johnston was looking for a box of
cigars.
Il thought these could not be lost
he said, placing the Havanas before his
guest
1t was growing dark, and the fire
had become the significant light in
the library. Clouds of smole curled
lazily above their heads.
Il wish you would not leave Wash
ington tonight 1 want you to go to
the Warrens' with me, they made quite
a point of your coming" Johnston
said.
At first Stacy way back in his chair
seemed too comfortable to reply, then
he leaned forward. 1T is out of tne
question, old man. / claim a social
Through when away from home.''
Tell me, Dick the editor watched
the rings of blue vapor as he spoke,
''were you ever hard hit?"
If l understand you. no."
But the question aroused his inter
est. Harvey" he continued, do you
remember picture that hangs in ny
room to the right you enter?''
Johnston nodded, a look of genuine
amusement showing in his eyes.
1T was copied from a rough draw
ing | made in war times Stacy left
his seat, and stood with his back to
the fire. To-day l thought l saw that
face again; it was somewhat older and
very much sadder. l was going to
the Navy Department to see McNa;ry
and passed her as 1 crossed the Avenue
from Lafayette Square"
The servant came in to light the gas
Many carriages rolled by outside an
nOuuCluS the ldCt IndI InS SeCreIaT.-
home for the present had lost its IN
portance as the gathering place of
fashion.
Harvey watched his friend with in
creasing interest. q shall induce You
to remain over another day." he de-
cided mentally. upon the chance of
meeting this love of long ago. AMI
take you with me to the Warrens' to-
night
When Stacy was presented to Miss
Clarke of Tennessee that evening, he
was conscious of a sudden exhilara-
ton.
-"Of Tennessee?' he repeated
The notes of low music filled the
house, palms waved their graceful
rNHlglaHlbH nj