The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-08-10
WHEN TIE HEART SPEAKS.


"Of what actual benefit is it to come
in contact with the world. as you call
II. il the experience doesn't really make
one a happier and better being2''
1T depends upon what you mean by
happier and better" There was
tinge OF defiance in Miss Harlow's voice
which she tried to conceal beneath a
frankly cheerful smile.
The unexpected appearance of Wes-
ley Graham while she stood on the cor
ner waiting for homeward bound car
had rather disconnected her. She had
resolutely discouraged his attentions for
the past six months and had not seen
him for several weeks.
II was the wilted. weary time of day
when Wage-earnlug women are not apt
to look their best Despite the fact that
Miss Harlow had long ago put vanity
under her feet as out of place in a
woman striving to make her mark in
the world. she felt a distinct Vexation
that Graham should meet her Just now
His argument. too. annoyed her He
seemed to take delight in showing up
the modern woman in Sathetic instead
OF glowing colors.
Miss Harlow pulled vaguely at her
-iisheveled veil and wondered if any
SCOT spots sprinkled her chin.
Her Ignorance regarding this was not
a synonym for bliss, and when Graham
swung upon the packed platform of the
crowded cable car beside her she was
guilty of taking d surrepttious glance
into her mirror.
Reassured, she bravely pursued The
argument.
Happiness" she persisted. ignoring
possible listeners in her eagerness. lis
not conducive alwa-'s to ones best de-
Velopment. I mean ha-.liness as the
world understands it."
she chung to the doorway for sun
port as the car swung around a corner
rigidly ignoring the encircling protec-
ton of Graham's arm.
What do you mean when YOU saw
thatE he demanded. Are YOU sure
mat you know what you mean?''
OF course know" she replied quiet
~, though with spirit I mean that
even a strenuous life of unceasine foil
and effort, unbrightened by romance or
pleasure, is. because OF the larger life
that goes with 1t, far preferable to an
existence OF purely selfish happiness.
Women are seeing that today as never
before. Absolute independence is the
prerogative of the modern woman. She
refuses to lean She does not have to
lean"
As the words left her lips the car
again rounded a corner sharply. sending
the helpless passengers lurching against
each other.
Her rigid attitude was of no avail this
time Before she knew it she sway.d
backward into the curve of CirahaIn's
steadying arm.
On the instant her eyes met his fully.
a startled moment of silence followed
Then Miss Harlow seized the broken
thfead OF their talk with a desperate
and visible determination. It was as
though she had in that moment men
tally faved, fought and vanquished an
unseen enemy
Graham watched her features merci-
iessly as she hurried on with her pos
tive assertions and declarations but she
would not allow her eyes to meet his.
her manner grew yet more distant
= Snen ne left the car with her and start
ca to accompany her homeward.
At the door OF her boarding house Re
startled her with an abrupt question
Are you always going to discourage me
this way2 Aren't you ever going to give
me any hopper"
Taken aback by his acknowledgements
ness, Miss Harlow uttered a half gasp
while her swift upward glance caught
the look in his eyes. "G0od-by," She
said, hurriedly.
Il expect an answer. Won't you send
me some word?" he persisted.
perhaps, answered Miss Harlow
The yielding in her own voice alarmed
her.
She hated herself for being sorry when
he turned to go. A strange distress
struggled at her heart so she FASTENED
upstairs to her room.
new and powerful realization was
Forcing itself upon her with a marvel
Gus fnsistence. The poignant sweetness
of IT enwrapped and thrilled her 1t was
the crowded car.
Alone in her room she seemed no
longer able to ignore that memory. But
she was strong, as the new woman in
Var1ably is. and her well-trained WILL
accustomed to combat, leaned now to
assert itself
This is folly" she muttered, 'and not
to be encouraged by even a thought.
With larger life of usefulness stretch
Ing before me, such a consideration is
out of the question"
But the argument between heart and
head waxed more earnest yet despite
her efforts to silence it.
After dinner she sat out on the steps
in the damp, sweet spring dusk and
absently Joined in the conversation of
ther boarGers Her thoughts followed
IN undercurrent of their own
1T is folly. You must Danish it from
your mind" said reason.
but cannot forget it. The memory
clfngs to me so. How do I know that
I ought to Danish it," protested her