The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-10-02
By DIRECT METHODS.
IBv John Barton OXFORD. !

Briggs had drawn a chair to the
open window and was deep in the inan-
ciaI page of the evening paper. So en-
crossed was he in the current value of
listed securities, that the chatter Of
Mrs. Briggs, who, in a long pink XII
mono, was fixing her hair before the
mirror, fell on unheeding ears. He
frowned prOdigiously behind his paper
and answered his wife in perfunctory
nonosyllables. But presently from
Mrs. Briggs lips there fell a certain
ominous phrase that caused the paper
to be lowered suddenly and his interest
in securities to sink into the realm of
insignihcance-
They are simply made for each
other, dear" Mrs. Briggs was saying.
''Who?" demanded her spouse,
somewhat belligerenuy
THAT couple who were playing on
the golf course this morning" she eX-
planned the girl with the pique waist
and that big, athletic, interesting look-
ing young fellow with her. Don't you
remember them? ?"
yes, I remember them, said Briggs
without enthusiasm.
And now they've quarreled," said
Mrs. Briggs.
She made this announcement in a
voice filled with an undercurrent of
tragedy But Briggs took it stolidly,
without emotion
81 dare say" he observed, casually
''They generally do. A cOurtship with
out a fight now and then is like lem
onade with the lemon left out
ITS really a shame she said,
wheeling about. Hes gone off tramp
ing all by himself. and when she
came down to the aiazza late this
afternoon She been crying. Her eyes
We're all red and puffy
MY dear" said Briggs with a judi
= a
apprehension, 81 trust you don't in
tend to iterfere.'
Interfere ?'' echoed Mrs. Briggs, Sc
verely. 81 don't think I like your
choice of that word. Tom
II used it in preference to med
die" said he.
Now. Tom. don't be horrid about
this" she said, seating herself on the
arm Of his chair and running her
hand through his hair. you know I
can't bear to see people needlessly UNI
happy-especial such an eminently
interesting young couple. Why don't
we help them. dear %
) 'Why?' said AIS Briggs, bristling
perceptibly. Because L came here for
months outing rather than with any
idea of running a matrimonial bureau
20 hush your silly talk" she laughed
You are going to help me.
Il amp he asked sardOnically.
Yes; you are" she affirmed. Nov
tomorrow we'u get a carriage for four
ana drive over TO tIG valley j on must
get acquainted with that young fellow
somehow and get him to accompany us.
In the meantime I'll scrape an ac-
quatntanCe with the girl and see that
she comes along. The rest viii be
"But I intend to hsh those brooks
across the lake tomorrow" he said in
rather inenectual protest.
What is a DAYS fishing compared
to the happiness perhaps the life hap
eI7a
asked.
Briggs grinned weakly. Nothing.
my dear; nothing. assure you" he
said with ironic Difference
You're not at all nice about it. she
chided, "but 7 know at heart you're
Just as interested as I am. There he
IS now, she said. indicating a tall,
muscular young fellow striding across
the hotel lawn. Run down and get
acquainted with him now. And be sure
he accepts your invitation for tomorrow
afternoon. Wen start just after lunch,
Hurry, now. or you'u miss him."
Briggs looked at his wife and smiled.
''Since your heart is set on it" he be-
gan.
cit isl she declared. "only hurry be-
fore he gees away
When Briggs reached the piazza he
beheld a tall figure seated alone at the
far end. He made his way thither, and
drew I'D a chair.
Coed afternoon" he said affably.
Have a cigar2'
The young man looked I'D coldly.
"Oh, Pm in trouble too" said Briggs.
The young mans face relaxed into the
ghost OF a. smile. Thanks" he said,
taking the proffered weed and lighting
it. mice day" he volunteered po-
litely.
Briggs nodded Fl don't suppose you
realize you've spoiled a days fishing
for me tomorrow" he observed.
The young mans broWs drew together
in q puzzled frown. 'sr?'' he asked in
credulous1y. How p
Briggs looked at the young man
thoughtfully. he seemed a decent sort
Of a chaEl
I've mind to be perfectly franz
with you" said he.
"Do SO by al means" TIE other sec
ondad.
even. then" said Briggs. tits all OF