The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-09-22
TIE EVENING yTOR T
The Awakening.

1AfC 14VstES1kHAs.
Just before the game began Dun
more rode over to the trap in which /
Mrs. Porter and Gertrude Remsen sat /
chatting with group of young men.
Mrs Porter. that soul of discretion, |
scrambled from her seat and managed
to lead the young men away.
Dunmore removed his cap and look
ed smilingly at the girl, whose race
displayed the faintest trace of annoy
ance.
Forgive my intrusion said DUN
more, in apology. but I've just heard
you are leaving us tomorrow. want
ed Just one last word. You'll grant
me that, won't you?
ungraciously.
Dunmore;s bronzed face became
suddenly grave. He leaned toward
her. and something in his eyes MADE
once more to reconsider he began.
1T is quite impossible, Mr.. Dun
more,'' said she. coldly.
'Why?'' he asked. "Am I SO ter
Your life at present is very full"
she said. There is no room in 1t Tor
for a Wife The color came into
her cheeks at the last word.
do YOU think these things really
count with me?'' he asked quickly.
these horses and this polo and all
the rest of it?
Perhaps for the moment you think
they DON'T said she. But they do
They have a hold on you that no woman
ever could hope TO rival. She would be
a side ISSUE"
.fYou don't really believe that?" said
he.
Il do" she averred.
The whistle sounded from the field
1.-The only thing that really counts in
all the world is you,' said Dunmore.
can't seem to make you believe 1t, but
it's Gods TRUTH
He rode out into the field, leaving the
girl strangely i'll at ease. AS the game
began, Mrs. Porter returned and climbed
into the trap. With her came the om-
nipresent group of satellites.
Gertrude, do hope she began III
whispered aside to the girl, but Miss
Remsen was talking to the young men
with a Vivaeity that, TO Mrs. Porter,
seemed a trifie forced.
All during the game the glrfs eyes
were seldom on the field. Although the
play was fast and furious and she was
known TO be devotee of polo, she SEEM
ed to prefer the platitudes OF the men
grouped about the trap to the eXcue-
rnent of the play.
once only did she follow the game,
and that was when a man beside them
said excitedly, Just look at old Tommy
Dunmorel He's doing his best to break
his precious neck."
L
piciously. ..,.-
but with a shrug of her shoulders Miss
Remsen resumed her gay chatter.
A moment later she heard a little
murrnur of horror. Mrs. Porter half rose
from her seat and caught her oreatn
sharply. The girl turned her eyes to-
ward the field.
Near one goal a group of riders was
drawing apart and on the ground lay a
y, iG -Four men Ian
into the field, drew the fallen man nom
beneath the pony and bore him TO the
clubhouse. The pony. scrambled 10 us
feet and was led iimping away. SUD
stitute galloped onto the Heiu, anu Ing
game went on.
I When the momentary excitement ndo
| subsidized Mrs Porter turned to her niece.
The girls white face shocked her
/ Gertrude, dear, what is the natter!'
she asked.
Rensen in an odd, quavering voice
One of the young men took the COP
| by the head and guided them through
| fine tangle of carriages. Then silently
| thew drove across the club grounds to
| the road Mrs. Porter, being wise IN
her day and generation, said nothing:
When they were nearly home, the girl
suddenly burst into storm OF tears
| rOh. auntfe," . she said, II didn't know
| until 1 saw him lying there all white
and bloody. Please. please drive TO the
Mrs. Porter waited in the. big hall,
while a gray-haired physician led Ger
trude up the stairs to a sunny room
overlooking the grounds. Then. after
he had opened the door ana poWeo
her in, he discreetly Withdrew
| On a couch by the window lay Dun
| more his head swathed in bahdages,
and one arm rigid in ungainly splints:
With the opening of the door ne raised
himself on his sound arm. and beneid
the girl standing there, like fr1gnt-
ened bird poised for flight.
---ssWhv. helloi'' he called gaily. This
is good of you to come"
The girls face flushed. She was
| cropping darkly for words.
II was afraid you were badly hurt'
she faItered.
mores are Drawn lot. They don't
| die easily Just few scratches. that
she drew a few steps nearer, halted
lirresolutely then went to his side.
..Tom!" she said, gently
/ His eyes widened. She noticed that
| he was trembling.
IT didn't know until-untl II
happened she said. And then oh;
! it seemed as if the world had stopped
las if the sun had been blotted out in
| darkness. It's dreadful to care SO
ucll-and-and--to find it out!
! She had knelt beside him. Her cool
| hand was stroking his face.
| sPerhaps / shall be only a side is
sue" she half sobbed. But. oh, Tom,
dear, let me be that much. anyway. -
Barry Preston.
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