The Topeka state journal., 1906-01-02

Beek's face a few moments later when
Jim approached her; there was a heavy
frown on Bennett Henry's face as the
two left the parlors together, but
Josephine's face was serene as she took
her uncle's arm and they walked home
together,
In her own room the girl acombed out
her hair in luxurious ease. Only a year
ago Ellen Beck had loved Jim Ash
down. Josephine had reason to know
that. and she believed that love had not
grown cold If she could open her un-
cIe's eyes to the fact the victory would
be hers. She laid down her comb and
looked at herself in the mirror with
satisfied smile. It was only when she
glanced below the glass at the portrait
of her mother that her conscience was
uneasy Her mother was the one be-
ing on earth whom Josephine feared
and revered. and it was with a feeling
of relief that she reflected that the
case of Bennett Henry versus Josephine
Henry would be quietly decided before
her mothers return.
In the morning Jim Ashdown called
Josephine received him on the broad
front piazza, vine sheltered and per-
fumed with the scent of delicately tint
ed; overhanging apple blossoms. Jim
had brought his horses.
DOORS he cried presently. Come out
for drive, Jo."
Josephine shook her head languidly
She wore a long morning dress and re-
clined lazi1y in the hammock. a novel
lying on its face beside her. She yawned.
Il can't today. Jim. To tell the truth,
I'm lazy. It got pretty hot down in New
York before I left. and this piazza never
/ seemed so cool and pleasant before" Jo-
J. va in n 81 7n4-
hands beneath her head. TN too lazy
even to go out on an errand this after
noon, but I must unless''-she looked
around in sudden animation-''you will be
good enough to do it for me-"
IF it's anything I can do began Jim
| awkwardly.
IT'S the simplest thing to do in the
world the girl Interrupted Its not to
match dress goods or buy ribbons or any
thing Of the kind Mamma left a book
here to be returned, a borrowed book.
VIII you take it back?"
Certainly" returned Jim, lingering his
hat. Where does it go?"
Away up to Ellen Becks-such a long
walk added Josephine. Il tell you am
lazy.
A few moments later Josephine occupied
the piazza alone. She had not waited
until Jim back was turned before TAX
ing up her book expectantly. He had no
ticed the move and bit his lips. while her
| careless, Come again soon, Jim,'' had
not had a soothing effect on him
He did not glance back as he drove
away.
Her uncle appeared at the corner of the
house. Jim he cried and then stopped
abruptly. Il thought Ashdown was here
He was, but he has gone. He went up
| to Ellen Beck 81 Josephine answered
( from behind her book, and Bennett Henry
4 turned and strode away without word.
That day was but the beginning With
great persistence, but with consummate
/ tact and skill. Josephine monopolized her
/ uncle's time and threw Jim Ashdown and
! Ellen Beck together. With secret exulta-
\ ton she watched E1en's eyes kindle and
| her cheek flush whenever Jim approached
1 With equal skill she warded off all at
/ tempts on her uncle's part-and they were
many-to approach the subject of either
Jim or Ellen
Her task was a peculiarly calling one
/ to Josephine on account of its publicity as
well as its difficulty. She was aware that
4 the Alldale population was viewing her
with marked interest. There was a fur
| tiveness in Alldale's scrutiny and smile
/ behind AlldaIe's hand, which became more
! pronounced as the weeks passed, exas-
4 perating Josephine almost past endurance
It was one afternoon when the July
1 heat and peoples curiosity, combined
with the fear of ultimate failure, had got
badly on her nerves that she met Mrs.
! Brown.
As has been hinted before. Josephine
was not the warm admirer of Mrs. Brown