The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-27

Miss I-orrington for two years, nadly,
hopelessly; hutteriHg about her beauti-
full. stately presence. as the proVerbial
moth about the candle fame, and with
about the same result. I have never
been accused. even by my enemies. of
lacking nerve but somehow, under the
spell of Miss LOrrington's gray eyes, 1
could never screw up my courage to
the sticking point and put my fate to
the touch. had fancied at times tina t
Helen was not altogether Indifferent.
There had been a memorable day on
the links that she-however. at other
times I was miserably certain that I
had no chance
"Of course''-Stub was speaking
know she's much too good for me; she's
better, nobler than"
Have you said anything to herr" I
managed to say. I knew how perfect
the lady of my heart was. without
Samuel Peyt0n Van Alan'S telling me
NO" he said, ruefully. II can't
" Whenever I'm with her I feel like an
OVergrOWn boy and nearly make an
idiot of myself; she has 4 way of look
ing into q fellows soul, with those big
eyes of hers. that makes him think of
his sins" I made no comment; I IN
derstood perfectly.
Look here. Ken" said Stub. as if
suddenly struck with a bright idea.
YOU and Hel-Miss LOrrington-are
great friends, aren't you? I remember
hearing her say once that Kenneth
sears WAS one OIL TIE Incest men SHe
knew Why can't u-er-er-sOrt of
say a word for me2 Tell her how it is
with me, and that I am not really
such blOckhead as I appear in her
society. Tell her II love her-just as
if it we're yourself you know
if she thought I cared for her she
might"
do you take me for matrimonial
agent?" asked, sterrly. DO your
own proposing. Do you suppose a girl
,cytfa MI 1fr7Ir
twice of man who was lacking in
courage2'
4 don't know" said stub; that's
what you are going to find out"
Don't be a chump." remarked my
friend in cOntemptuOus tones. Promise
you'll speak to her tonight if you get a
chance, al Mrs Applebee's dance
Stub and had been friends since col
lege / would do more for him than fer
at Mrs Applebee's that night with a
heart like lead, bound TO plead my friend
cause with the girl I loved myself.
what did you wish to tell me. Mr..
Sears2" Miss Lorrington asked. after I
found her seat under tail palm in the
lump that suddenly risen in my throat,
and began
friend loves so devotedly2" she inquired
when I had finished.
You 7 said turning away my eyes
lest they betray my own secret
tMe2' she asked incredulously. Sammy
Van Alan in love with me? Impossiblei"
why impossible2' I cried. impulsiveiy.
How can he do otherwise How can
any MANI But You are 50 far above other
wouen-so unapproachably adorable-tha {
all fellow can do is to worshp-in 81
lence" had forgotten Samuel Peyto1
Van Alan
Miss Lorrington made no reply. She was
looking inteutly under bench Of potted
geraniuTns- 4 little. far-away smile on her
lips. I followed her gaze. and as discov-
cred its object hot pric1ly waves began 10
chase UP my spine to the roots of nv hair
1t was only an empty wooden box at
which she was looking. but pasted on enc
end Of it was Il highly colored Htnograph.
advertising Priscilla rasturtium seeds-and
the picture was Of John Alden pleading the
cause Of Miles Standish Something in tho
droop of Miss Lorringtons regal head
gave me Sudden courage. 1 bent down IN
til my eyes met hers and in them / read
as plainly as love could say il the INNER
tai rebuke Of Priscilla TO her faint hearted
lover. why don't YOU speak FOR yourself,
John o.
Ard Stub2 Well. I may as well confess
i. I had been made the victim OF a dia-
belical ruse. Mr.. Van Alan had discover
Cd the state of MY feelings-got the idea
from a chance remark of HeIen's that 1t
was only my coWardice that stood in
the way Of making me the happiest man
alive. and forthwith essayed the role Of
matchmaker.
He was my best man six months later
-Leslie's Weekly