The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-10-22
TIE EVENING STORY

CBy Campbell NacLeod.)

through the SIOWQSQ pdEA01S III SSdASA
Of him.
It was haIf-past ten O'Clock and the
reception was in full blast; but Farms
worth had suddenly disappeared. The
hostess was asking if anybody had seen
him.
Half an hour earlier, the lion OF the
function had found himself alone. A
debutante who lisped, had reduced him
to a state of cold perspiratfon. He had
started recklessly down the hall. A
door had stood invitingIy OPEN He had
walked in, hoping it gave on porch
It had proved quite the most attractive
SPOT he had seen since he had left the
jungles of South America a month ago
and had found himself famous as the
author of a book on Unknown Amazon
Lands
This room was green and cool. a
bank OF palms concealed a piano. Be
hind the piano was an open window
Here he could indulge in cigarette.
Good! As he scratched the match
faint exclamation of surprise from the
far corner drew his attention IN that
direction. A young girl was observing
him with calm amusement.
4 beg. your pardon" he began, throw
ing away the cigarette. Il didn't mean
to intrude''
Don't mind me-. she begged. Were
you running away?'
I'm afraid So" guilty, and glanelng
furtively at her.
She was a very young person, almost
a child. Her dress was faint pink and
she idly thrummed the banjo in her
lap. He realized that she was exceed
ingly good to look upon
won't you sit DOWN." she invited,
motioning to the seat beside her.
why are you hiding hereg he de-
manded. You aren't afraid Of them,
are you?"
an time
appointed tor my stunt" holding up
the banjo, "hasnt arrived yet"
Il see" refectively. But what are
you doing here alone? ?"
1T was cool and unoccupieds and
slipped in. maybe for the same reason
that you did,
If 1 won't disturb your practicing.
may [ stay?a' he surprised hlmSelr by
asking. My name is Farnsworth."
oh she gasped, pointing to the
door. ITS your reception, given Tor
YOU OF course you can't stay! again
pointing to the door.
But I mean to stay very deter
n1fnedly. 4 didn't catch your name.
The girl laughed deliciously-
SPICY Belle Browning. What are you
laughing at? Though people generally
1T is rather a startling name, he adj
mitted II don't think 1 ever heard 1t
before" ~
NV old nanny ndlAlC0
mother died when I was born Inc
Sniov part was after the pinks in the
garden. And we had an old COW named
Belle maybe that's where tnat part
came from. Grandmother was to2
heart-broken to care what they cameo
She was tanning her pink shod foot
n +1e strains of the distant music
aTet me see you've been away,
haven't you % her finger tapped her
forehead in an effort to remember
what was It you did?
Nothing of any consequence. he
returned lightly. Sing to me, won't
so The girl caressed the banjo with
i0s You'd i'5's like the old songs she an
nounced suddenly. 81 don't sing them
for many"
too low to escape the walls OF the tiny
room. singing something about Juan
ita and waking from cream 700
soon. BE my own fair BRIDE, the
soft voice trailed-and stopped sud
denly. ..4,.o..
don't know where aH-maybe it's
10y "I II help you find her He rose. and
together they made their way down
the long, crowded hall Mrs Glider
fairly gobbled up the disappearing
hero She listened vaguely when he
began his apologies and turned with q
trif1e more consideration TO the girl
who stood at his elbow. F'arnsWorth
was more interested apparently IN
dndine out when this young persons
turn came than he had been in all the
brilliant conversation fired at him
during the earlier part OF the evening.
ssSheu have time to dance with me
one time before she goes on won
I7ntil they reached the ballroom
door he forgot that he hadn't danced
in ten years.
'tThis is a beastly thing to thrust
~, xo41.r he said, st have not danced
sfnce-since you were an infant. You
understand. 1t was my only chance to
get YOU away from her. Did you ever
try to talk small conversation to young
ladies who 1isped?
Spicy Belle laughed.
II mean young adies-er-what do
T mean? Who are in society as er-er
=a-profession ?"
ssIt's not half as hard as trying to
talk to young men who are in society
as-er-professio she Knocked.
They had started to dance.
you've been Sin yourself?' he ask
ed. you can appreciate my misery
ssYes'' quietly 81 was in two years
ago myself Then the money went.
I've been working since, and much
HAMMER After a little pause. you
dance like thistle, Mr.. Farnsworth-
you've made me forget my feet,
that's all L never danced with any
ease before in my life
s'You arn't telling the truth" she
accused. softly
ssMay 1 come to see you. tomorrow
mornine?" he asked. "And when are
you going home tonight-Yo nder.
she's beckoning,~ indicating putting
Mrs. Glider. who was shaking her fan
at them
Farnsworth never realized the true
meaning of stage fright until he sat
later beside the debutante daughter of
his hostess. waiting for Spicy Belle TO
come on. A stage had been erected at
the Ear end of the immense music
room. But when she did come. as cool
as when she sat beside him in the lit
tie green room, his courage returned.