The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-05-03
TIE EVENING STORY
Maid Of Joan.
- EtheI Barrington.l

borderIand Of pain. Her eyes wander
ed TO the other occupants OF the Dox,
who had entered late. and she was
surprised to find his gaze dxed on her
in recognition. She felt a flush beneath
her olive skin. then she bowed dist
antly, and with a sort of dnaHty re-
turning to the study of her programme.
It was one of the small boxes tucked
far back in the wide balcony OF the
Academy, but. as Joan assured her
mother music was quite as enjoyable
there as in the more conspicuous seats.
When the solo ended she could not
resist glancing toward her companion,
or smiling in. recognition Of their mu-
tual enjoyment; besides. had he not
saved her at his own risk from
seorching motor car only the week
before? At the time she had been so
startled that she barely thanked him,
her one desire being to avoid the dis
agreeable attention caused BY her es-
cape. 1t would be only ordinary good
manners to thank him now.
you were very prompt. and coura-
geous, the other day." she began gra-
ciously; my thanks were slight, but
don't judge my gratitude by that"
II trust you suffered no i'll effects
from the adventure %
s'No-that Is nothing material"
Joan laughed at her own wit. having
fine eyes and rich deep voice had
haunted her ever since. Her laugh
1oosened the strain of reserve. SO that
they exchanged criticisms on the or
chestra; the girl was delighted to find
some one as music-mad as herself.
She rose regretfully when it was over,
but he detained her, asking diff1dently:
will you permit me to introduce
myself?''
Accepting the proffered card. Joan
as that of a fellow guest at their aunt's
recent reception. Her hero. then
proved all a maid could desire, though
his very prominence left little chance
of further acquaintance.
If knew your name" he suggest
ed hopefully, perhaps a mutual friend
u do want to know you better"
Joan hesitated. but because he was
so evidently in earnest. was tempted
to admit, I'm called Joan. and there
is at least one person who knows US
both: If sincere. you Will find out the
rest for yourself" Then she hurried
home
A tale of tribulation greeted her,
Bridget has gone, without a moments
notice her sister complained. Moth
er and I have worked all the after
noon: Joan. I'm distracted-unIess
you'll help me-"
I'm not much good at cooking.
protested Joan. land for dinner
party--Alice, you'll be a fright if you
cry or rub your nose any redder What
do you want me to dO?''
Mother will finish the cooking" de-
clared Alice. "Will you serve 1t? oh.
please, as Joan negatived the sugges-
ton Il should be SO Inundated if
will be no one that you know; only
two men,"
Mr.. oliver" inquired Joan. and on
her sister holding assent she yielded
with grimace.
Before going to her mothers assist
1nHa hnVVaxvnT- Oh ,~s.-
lating the afternoons meeting, wind
up triumphantly. so that my hero
proves to be the exclusive Laurence
Hale!'
While dressing. Alice thought I'M
easily Of this. revelation. Having told
Joan that the proposed guests were
strangers, II she now confessed Hale
10 be one of them would her sister not
refuse the part assigned her2 Yet much
depended on the success of the even
ing.
The girls aunt. Mrs. Drew. moved
in the circle of Philadelphia elite.
privilege forfeited by their mother
on her marriage to struggling musi-
clan. OF late Mrs. Drew, perhaps be-
cause of Alice's resemblance to her
SELF had taken an interest in her niece
and had given her a winters gafetv
an advantage Alice now planned to
follow I'D with an informal dinner. in
order that her mother might meet
able attention. Before Bridget's de-
lection. everything had promised well:
even now there need be no failure If
Joan fulfilled her promise.
viii I do?" demanded Joan. rush.
Ing In arrayed in regulation black with
a white apron, her naturally wavy hair
drawn severely back and pinned close
~ around her head.
Alice felt treasured. Joan looked so
demurely prim.
L.
not see them until she announced
softly. Dinner is served then meet
ing the astonished gaze of Laurence
Hale, she fed precipitately back to the
dining room. Enraged that such a
trick should have been played her. her
first thought was of throwing up the
task, and leaving the little party to
shift for itself. The harm, however
was done. Alice's eyes pleaded for for
g1veneSs, which Joan WillfuIly misun-
derstood by offering her the olives. She
watched Give with curiosity discover
ing that though he was deferential to
her mother. and took his part in the
conversation, he seemed to think only
of her sister. and with a rush of ten
der sympathy Joan forgave the embar-
rassm ent Of her own position.
That Hale was puzzled and chag-
rined he showed plainly. but she sys-
tematically avoided meeting his eye
When the ladies returned to the parlor
with Give in their wake. Hale
hung back; Joan, busy with the silver
waited curiously. but apparently
changing his intention Hale followed
his friend.
you were perfect. dear" her moth
er admitted the next day. sbut I only
consented to the plan because Alice
fretted So"
What can it matter?' exclaimed
Joan comforting1y. IT have no society
aspirations as has ALICE
Before the week passed Alice's en-
gagement to Harry Give was announc-
ed; she was very gracious in her new
found happiness.
81 am going to tell Harry of your
good-nature. Joan. and have him set
you right with that Mr.. Hale; be-
lieve you like each other" but Joan
cut short this project.
s'If he thinks me a servant girl after
talking to me. let him"
.But the evidence IS AGAINST YOU. .,