The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-04-21
TIE EVENING STORY
POHy's Masquerade.

tHillman HillmanT Justify called
the brakeman thrusting open the car
door as the train slackened.
Two of the passengers were reused
from a state or passivity by this an
nouncement, and gathering their belong
1ngs, FASTENED out into the cold night
One was a young girl, with a city-bred
air and appointments; the other. man
looked Overwhelmingly about them as the
train slowly pulled out.
This doesn't look like my recollec-
tons of Hillman,'' said the girl, looking
about the small, deserted station
1t isn't Hillmanr' said the man de-
cidedly. What station is this2'' he
asked, as a railroad employe came out
of the depot.
This? This is Rollins"
Hillman is six miles Department
stop, except the siding
The two passengers looked at each
other in mutual dismay. The girl spoke
first. She spoke one word, and that
mans word The railroad enploye look
ed shocked. but the other man appeared
relieved.
THANK you very much,' he said.
You voice my sentiments exactly. Our
common misfortune should allow US to
waive all ceremony and conventional
ty My name is John Winters. I have
recently taken up my abode in Hill
Mine is PONY Lester" she said
frankly, land [ am only going to Hill
man to visit. I trust I will never take
up my abode there
1T isn't an enticing spot" he admit
ted, laughing. When can we get
train to Hillman?" he asked OF the
railroad employe.
Not till tomorrow morning"
Then we must drive there. I pre-
sumo there is no livery here but there
must be some one who will drive us
over"
Il guess Hank Innis, the barkeep.
would take you over in his automobile.
I'll see."
He returned shortly with the bar
keep and a runabout. John Winters
made q bargain with him for the trip,
and as Polly climbed to the seat be-
side him, he said:
I have some good news for you It
seems our train meets the Western ex-
press three miles from here, and that
train is reported late. so we can over
take our train and continue our way as
we started"
Polly quite enjoyed this little ad-
venture. She always did have a weak
ness and a tendency for adventures.
She chatted freely with her lew ac-
quaintance. She was almost sorry
when they overlook and boarded the
sidetrac ked train, receiving apologies
from the brakeman and grins from the
passengers. Polly and John Winters
continued their chatter until they ap-
preached HilIman. Then she said alb
ruptly:
'Hillman is small place, and people
have narrow views regarding proprie-
ties. 1t would be as well if we got off
singly and separately, and meeting, as
we doubtless will, as strangers.
Certainly, you are right, agreed
Winters, going forward to the smoking
Polly was met and whisked away to
the one hack by a spinster aunt
HAS I5illman changed mueh-aIly
new people moved in since I was last
here Aunt Cornelia ?" asked Polly de-
murely, as they were unpaeklng her
luggage.
ssOh, yesl Hillman is growing fast
Lots Of people, and We've get a new
Whats his name ~ demanded Pol
ly. locking up interestedly-
The Rev. Mr.. Winters
OH gasped Polly, feebly, bending
over a refractory box cover What
does he look like p
Il am ashamed TO say haven't seen
him. replied her aunt. First SUNDAY
he was here had a cold The next
Sunday it just poured. He has called
| but I was not at home"
well, presume he will call again, .
remarked Polly
Later. when she was alone and re-
| posing comfortably in the billowy
! feather bed, she laughed Wickedly and
delightedly.
"Oh. what would Aunt Cornelia do
/ il she knew I sWore right before the
new minister. She'd leave town, do
! believe. / thought I liked MIN very
we'll but I don't know. I like min
lister to live up to his calling, and he
should not have been amused. 1t was
/ frivolous in him to know SO much
/ about the world. If he wasn't min
lister. I know I'd like him. but as he is
a minister. I'd like him to be diff
| ferent.''
nounced that she had to attend a club
meeting from which, she regretted to
say outsiders were excluded Polly
appeared resigned. however, and after
her aunt's departure she wandered
| about the house seeking diversion She
/ found it in her aunt's bedroom in the
shape of a wig, for her aunt had to
resort to a false headgear, having lost
her hair through Illness
Polly promptly donned it, and sur
+ Veyed herself.
thought, only am young and plump.
We look like the advertisements for
before and after taking.'
IN pursuance Of the resemb alliance, she
tried on a black silken gown of her
aunt's She had just pinned on a long,
/ pointed lace collar and fastened it with
/ a huge cameo pin when she looked out
Of the window and saw her fellow traV-
/ tier coming up the steps
Coming for a ministerial CALL He
won't recognize me in this outfit. and
he has never seen aunt. I shall per
senate heri''
she FASTENED to admit the caller.
How do you do-Mr. Winters IS It
not? I am Miss cornelia Latin Be
seated. please I thought I was never
going to meet my pastor. was so sorry
was out when you called before
He politely regretted the fact also,
and proceeded to talk of the church
matters.
aHypocriter thought Polly. "TH test
him further
mr.. Winters, don't suppose I ought
! to tell you my troubles on our first
| meaning. but feel must unburden my
mind and ask your advice
Certainly, my dear Miss Latin You
| may command and trust me"
I have niece visiting He-a we'll