The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-22
Stories Of the Town


Brother Tom sent me If you Will only
promise not to interfere" Now 1 had be-
gun to think myself something of cad in
the attitude was taxing, but her last re-
mark steeled my heart. To be offered
bull pup as sop for broken heart was
too much. I'd show Miss Kitty Floyd
IT trusted you and you will betray me,
she walled. Her voice followed me as
strobe home across the lawn.
After that ceased to trouble kitty very
much. but could see that she was afraid
Of me, for she ceased to encourage GUM
nip's attentions. I'heard my sister say: II
can't for the life of me imagine what Kitty
is thinking Of
I'm what respect?' i asked.
why, about Mr.. Guinnip. All the girls
in town have been making dead set for
him. He has ignored. Kittys existence until
Of late. but it is easy to see that she could
have him now, hands down. She won't get
such a chance again. 1 don't know what
she is thinking Of"
..And it is high time the giddy Kitty set
tied down. too" said my mother. THAT
little sister of hers is coming on, too"
Il think 1 have informed you," 1 re-
ludl hllly euSdSeu u
.,.'Pooh!,' said my sister.
Kitty's mind was not at rest. could tell
that plainly enough. She would occasionally
call me up over the telephone. us this
Judge Merrivales office? Well. is Mr. Rob
ert there? Oh is that you Bobby? This is
Kitty. Oh, Bobby, can't you. won't you
forget all the dreadful, dreadful things
said? Besides, LIN twenty-s-seyen, and
you don't want TO marry me-" l would re-
ply, Yes, do, my own. What difference
does few years discrepancy in our ages
make? How is my little sweetheart this
morning, anyway shut up over the tele-
phone" Kitty, would say with incredible
vulgarity. well, who started this con-
versation, anyway?'f would rejoin. and
then Kitty would hang up the receiver
with a bang.
Matters stood at this crisis when one
, Indian summer evening I saw Kitty's sis
ter .Seraphina. home from the convent.
leaning over the gate. hadn't seen her for
years, but L recognized her as a younger
and prettier edition of Kitty. us your sis
ter at homer inquired. She smiled at me
seraphically. Evidently she knew nothing
of the very strained relations that existed
between her sister and me. Kitty came
down the walk. Turning my back on Ser
aphina, said to Kitty: Look here, don't
care how soon you marry old Guinnip; 1
shan't do anything to interfere" Kitty exc
cuted. a war dance and pranced into the
house to prink for Guinnip's coming, L
suppose. leaned on the gate and talked
to Seraphina
A few weeks later 1 had the pleasure of
walking down the aisle behind Kitty, with
the lovely Seraphina, who was a vision in
pink. gave the bride pearl heart for her
wedding present but when saluted her in
the 'vestry she only said: Bobby, you are
a beast"
She was an attractive middle-aged
woman. modestly but fashionably gowned.
She carried purse or card case and there
was absolutely nothing in her appearance
to betray her purpose. When the mistress
of the house appeared at the door, In an
swer to her ring, she smiled as one greet
ing am old and familiar acquaintance, and
n1urmured: -
>f'Why. how-do-you-do, Mrs. Jones"
4. Extending her hand she clasped the half
extended hand of Mrs. Jones, insinuated
herself through the door and was we'll into
the living room before Mrs. Jones realized
just what had occurred, or had stopped
racking her brain to recall where, If ever,
she had met her unexpected caller and who
on earth she might be.
81 was over to see Mrs. Smith this morn
ing, resumed the caller, naming one of
Mrs. Jones's friends, and calmly seating
herself she did so. Mrs. Smith is very
much interested in the new study circle that
is being formed to take I'D a systematic
study Of art, literature and history this
winter and she thought that you would be
interested too. and asked me to call and
explain the thing to you. The circle
and here followed line of palaver, poured
forth in a steady stream that fascinated
the victim and gave her no time to think
or get in a ward sdgewise. Something at
tracted Mrs. Joness attention to the win
dow and when she looked around an in
slant later her caller held book which she
had produced from capacious pocket In
her petticoat in that instant. Then the
| truth dawned on Mrs. Jones-she was in
the hands OF book agent! 1t was not
her first experience. She had met up with
! agents and book agents before, but she
had never been against this particular
brand and in the face of such magnificent
| nerve was defenseless and could not sum-
| mon the courage even to attempt to repel
| the attack.
Just what transpired In the NEXT thirty