The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-05-07
ROSES and MEMORY.

The room seemed dead Usually it
was a pleasant place, book lined and
cheerful with pictures and bits Of por-
cclain. odd furniture and a few soft
rugs. But now a chastity air prevailed
1t and vague memories lurked in every
corner. FOggy streaks of daylight came
IA at the windows and gray shadows
hid all its genial beauty. In sell.
defense Miss Van Orken lighted the
lamps and drew the curtains close Bet
ter the semblance of night than monde
script daY, with its duh depression
A tap at the door reused her; mowers
for Miss Van Orken. She tossed the
card with its black border into the
glowing fire. and smiled scornfuliy as
She did so.
The electric bell gave a trin Alice
sprang W. from her Worshipfui ATTITUDE
before the roses and opened the door.
1t was a woman who entered. young,
with fluffy hair and blue eyes-Wide
open eyes. honest like those Of child
that knows no evil. About her rested
an air of extreme youthfuiness. Of un~
conscious heiDlesSness. This nOTninE
she seemed i'll a ease, as truant who
feared -ustice. Then. with deep sigh
she sank into a low chair and gazeu
wistfully at the proud Miss Van Orken.
who inquired. in matter of fact way.
Whats uD?"
well. I'm not sick. for one thing. t.
said the little lady. Wish I was: or.
better stin. dead and buriedt ReEulai
dogs life. mine is. dull and stupid, and
always the same. Thank your stars
you're not married."
She rose with sudden irritation and
began walking UP and down. Alice gave
no heed Thedford Prince was her old
est and best friend. She was used to
hearing his wife abuse him. There had
been time when she herself held the
man in keen resentment. in sharp anger
for untimely reticence and Impressive
10
had been wrong, no doubt, and had re-
pented silently. The image of Betty's
husband flashed across her mental Wis
ion; tall, lightly but strongly built
straight nose. kind eyes and firm
mouth, richly but quietly dressed, and
with a reserve that combined courtesy
and dignity.
I'm in an awful box" Betty said. al
length. confronting her friend. Some OF
us went to the theater-the Hodges ans
Jimmy Barton. Thed told me ht
mightnt be home. the Jersey lawsuit
often keeps him, you know; and il was
very late when the play ended. / wen
TO stay with Jimmy Barton's sister
with Mrs Deccan2 With Belle
Why, she left for Boston last Friday.
SO ] found out" Betty replied, cool
ly when it was too late to go home
] haven't been back yet" with shud-
der. and unless you can think OF a way
out some explanation, I'm done for
me if he ever knows the truth You'll
have to lend hand for the sake Of OLD
times just as you've done before, Alice.
Miss Van Orken turned very white
She sat motionless for some minutes
then she said, slowly, And if l re
fuse2"
Betty laughed nervously. Then II
have to disappear The only thing tina
holds me back is that Jimmy has NJ
money"
And where is that brave and beau
tiful YOUTH" the other asked, scorn
fully.
AT the club. I suppose. He wen
there last night He told me to come t.
you this morning; said you were bricl
and could get man or woman out o
any scrape, if you'd only give your min'
to it Jimmy dGmres you aWfully-'
After a strained silence ensued thel
Alice spoke There is only one way,
she said slowly 1T must be made Il
appear that you and I were together al
last night and that the storm detaine
us somewhere. I must go home witt
you now In evening dress The play
what was it2'
The Primrose Path said tn
other. in prompt reply.
Miss Van Orken began preparation
with an AR of resolute determination.