The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-11-17
PALNIISTRY.

| Alone James did it. 1 have told him
since that 1 owe him a debt of graft
| tude which never, never can repay.
His reply, that ihe would rather. I
| owed him something which could
repay, touched me deeply, but had
no other immediate result.
I must give you his name in FULL
James Arthur Brocklebank. Perhaps
some day will find me teaching my
children to lisp that dear name at
their mothers knee. This is what they
do in novels, though should not think
| ''Brocklebank' allows of much scope
/ for listening. Still there it is.
| 1t was at a fancy bazaar. Most of
us at the hall were helping in some
! way Our dear hostess was selling
what are those things that ladies buy
| while her daughters had sweet and
scent and tobacco stalls, and so forth
l thought at first that I was the only
unemployed one until James strolled
Hello" he said; you're doing moth
ing"
Il wanted to help" I explained.
my idea was to keep tobacconlStS
stall, and then one could smoke cigar
cites all the time. The assistants in
shops always do that to advertise their
goods
ooh! And I suppose assistants in
sweet shops eat sweets all the time ?"
''Of course.
Have you ever thought" said
James, refiectively, what a tired time
Look here" I said, "did you come
to talk rot like that to me ?"
mo; I want you to have your for
tune told. There's a palmist here
"But 1 haven't a fortune"
"You don't want one. Half
crowns enough"
1 went with him under protest 1t
was a very dark tent into which we
plunged, and L could see no fortune
teller.
where is she?' I asked, impa-
tiently.
James; "but you mustn't go in. You
put your hand through there, and she
is on the other side OF course. II she
saw you, it would spoil everything"
who is it?"
Never mind
put my hand through. Someone
took it, and it seemed to me as though
she were going over the lines of my
palm with a pencil.
Don't do that-please! 1 said 1t
tickles.''
There was light laugh from be-
hind the curtain
You are very ticklish,'' said a voice.
"That isn't palmistry," L re-non-
strated.
You are also quick-tempered, slow
minded, thin-Skinned--"
''Fat-headed, go on." I said, bitter
ly Just you wait till 1 see YOU
I'm awfully sorry" said the voice.
81 don't think I have the right hand"
"Of course you haven't. it's the
left
Eyes, that's right. Oh, I see! r
was looking at it upside down. You
are modest, clever, athletic and of an
artistic temperament.
James laughed unkindly.
Did you laugh?" asked the voice.
Certainly net!" I replied. 81
wouldn't think of such a thing. But
you are only saying things l know al
ready. Won't you tell me my future ?''
"You will be married within a year"
gasped.
Did you gasp?'' asked a voice.
THAT was the impression 1 intend
ed to convey. But are you sure?"
quite, quite sure. The line of the
heart says so.'
Heart lines, old chap." said Jim.
nudging me.
What did you say?" asked the
voice.
heard was a hitherto honored and re-
spected friend being kicked. But 1
say, tell me. When shall 1 be en-
gaged?''
s'Before the end of the week.
Hi! Jim, quick!" shrieked.
whats the day now?'
1.-The thirteenth" said Jim.
I shot a glance of scorn and loathing
at him.
Sorry. old man." he said, hurriedly.
.sWhy-good Lord-then 1 shall get
engaged tonight"
why not?'' asked Jim.
why not?' o you idiot She's not |
even in the house. She's in London"
who is?''
.'Who?-why-o. nobody. You see