The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-10-12

little hand trembled upon the handle of
her parasol as she traced vague patterns
in the garden walk.
NJ. de CAGE longed to take possession
of this little hand. to tell her how
much he loved her and ask her IL she
would be his wife. He felt instinctively
that the moment was divine Had he
been younger he would have done it,
without pausing for an instant but GER
tain ages have their certain bashrulness.
He was silent, timid. and trembling, as
if he had been only twenty
You know we are always glad to see
you" said Helen simply, breaking the
long silence.
Very well, then. L will come tomor-
row. 1 will not disturb your father
now"
have scarcely seen anything of you
lately
You are good to say SOP
Yes, Helen was good. she was beau
GAGE kept repeating the words to him
self as he walked beneath the tall.
spreading e1ms, where, at the end of
the driveway, groom stood waiting,
constantly assured himself OF her love,
remembering how she always came to
greet him. and her smiles and soft
handshakes. Was it, after all, only
agreeable neighbor? But no, she had
blushed just now, she understood the
hidden meaning of his words. and she
had said Tomorrow" Besides, he had
already spoken to Mr.. Mainfroy; per
haps Helen's father had told her.
He stopped short, refining in his horse
suddenly.
What if she only wants to marry me
because 1 a mrich and the Baron de
He drove the thought away with a
quick exclamation of anger. knowing
it unworthy of the girl he loved. and.
touching his horse with the spurs. he
galloped home AS he turned the cor
ner he saw his son Robert. flashing
down the road in front of him. on his
bicycle. and from his seat upon his
splendid animal NJ. de GAGE compared
himself with his son. thinking rapidly:
ON the whole. 1 am better than he"
The next day. as the father and son
the Mainfroys' parlor, they
surprised Helen arranging her flowers
She had not looked for them so soon.
and had not heard the carriage. ana
supposinG hersel falone for some time
yet, she was still dressed in her loose.
morning dress, her arms bare and her
hair simply tied with a ribbon NJ de
GAGE uttered a smothered exclamation
at the lovely picture she made among
her flowers ss
Mercy me, let me run awayr' she
cried seeing them stand suddenly be-
fore ker
Before you go, please let me intro
duce my son.. said the baron, smiling. |
and please forgive us for coming so
soon. We really couldn't wait"
Blushing rosy-red, Helen lifted her
eyes to those of the young man, stand |
ing so tall and straight beside his faith |
er. Their looks met and fingered. A
later she had disappeared, clos
ing the door behind her.
Great heavensi' cried Robert how
charming she is. and how pretty"
You think so?" queried his father.
Yes, indeed. and / understand better |
now what you seemed to be limiting at
is the young lady of your choice, 1 am
more than ready to fall in love with |
your plans. But do you suppose she |
would be willing to go off into foreign |
lands? Fer with my career
He was interrupted. for just then Mr..
entered.
MY daughter has told me- my dear
baron" he began heartily, land 1 I'M
derstood Immediately. You know what |
a daughterly affection she has for you |
and I know what a fine man your son |
is; we will speak frankly, will we not? |
We must wait a little to see how the |
young folks get along together, and
them
eyes were shining brightly. and, without
a single muscle of his face betraying
him, he felt the agony in his heart.
THANK you, SIR he said quietly, for
your kind words ABOUT ROBERT L nope
yolf will allow him to come here often,
for l think they will please each other. |
Robert is a good fellow--
And he added simply,
And Miss Helen is an adora BILE young
Post.
You are accused of MASKING women"
said the stranger.
I know it, replied the street car. con
ductor. But faint the women that gifts
so much as It's the small kids
and old men, I s pose on account OF the
women mostly wearin corsets. Life
Tommy, stop that noise and come here
to me-" said Mrs. Phamley. do you know
yes! yes ma.am replied Tommy. promptly.
Whose is it % -
ssBridgetss. Mary Ann was out last Sum
Press.