The Topeka state journal., 1906-06-22
TIE EVENING STORY


This looks just as good as it sound
ed-Riverside Farm, ruminated Cleo.
as she sat by the open window OF the
big, airy bedroom she had rented for
the summer.
And Mrs. Lacey she continued in
her musing. lis the ideal farmers wife.
There is only one drawback: she re-
ferred constantly, in our drive from the
station. to her handsome son. I hope
he won't think it is in his line Of duty
to be attentive to his mothers sum
mer boarder. One reason came Off
up here was because I was so tired of
attentions"
Her reverie was interrupted by a
sound of voices from below.
Now, Hugh she heard Mrs. Lacey
say pleadingIy, you really must over
come your dislike of girls and show this
one some little attention.
Oh, mother" was the remonstrafive
response, If had supposed that was
to be on your programme I'd have op-
strongly than I did"
But we ought to dc something to
make her stay pleasant persisted his
Fact is, mother, I'm a mans man,
and you know it. Girls don't like me.
Shed have a better time if
Now, Hugh, you've got your idea
of girls from the giggling ones about
"Oh, one Of the mannish kind. I'd
really prefer the silly type"
Well, Hugh, Just give her row On
the river this afternoon. and 1 won't
ask you to do anything else for her"
'AH right was the resigned reply.
She'll probably insist on rowing.
Maybe she'll refuse to go with me-
I wonder if should" smiled the girl
al the window. mo, just for revenge,
III 60"
When she came downstairs, Mrs. La
cey presented my son, Hugh" fine
looking man of some 70 inches. He
relapsed into a diff1dent silence, and
only made monoSyllabic replies until,
after several expressive and reminding
looks from his mother. he blurted out:
Would you care for row on the
river?"
cleo hid a smile at the perfunctory
tone and manner, but she said gra-
ciously that she would, and as they
went through the meadows and came
out in sight of the river. she remarked
that it was hard to believe it was the
same stream that flowed through the
city where she lived.
ut is narrow, dirty and sluggish
there" she said, "as different from this
broad, beautiful stream as-well,. as
the city is from the country
His stiffness relaxed a little. He
loved the country and the river. When
he reached the landing and was push
ing off the rowboat, he said relue-
tanty:
DO you care to row?"
NO" she replied. Il am not much
of an 'oarsman, and--wel, I'm afraid
am too lazy to enjoy it. I'd rather
you'd have all the hard work"
He began to acknowledge that his
mother was right in her estimate of
this sensible girl. His long, even
Her admiration OF the scenery was so
genuine that he felt pride in showing
her still further beauties of the local
ity-
branches off from this one that goes
through a fine stretch of woods he
remarked Its quite shallow, but I
guess we can make it,
But when they had gone some dis
tance up the little tributary he found
1t would be necessary to pole. He stood
in the bow and worked vigorously for
some moments. At last, after a mighty
shove, the boat shot from the sandy
bottom into deeper water. There was
may Quickly turning, he saw that he
had sent a goodly supply of water into
the boat, and that Cleo was shaking
out her saturated dress skirt.
"Ohi" he cried, Il forgot all about
your being in the boat L"
She gave a wicked little laugh.
Il ought to feel complimented, Mr..
Lacey, since you were averse to my
society this afternoon
A warm wave of color flushed his
face.
Il overheard your mothers orders
to you" she continued.
He gave an embarrassed little laugh,
not free from amusement.
s'I wonder he said. what the men
on the farm would say If they knew I
took a girl out rowing and nearly
tipped her over in four inches of
Vn17---xunT1sf fa1xa Cnl6 he
asked. anxiously-
"Oh, no. she protested.
But your dress-is it spoiled p
'I have reinforcements in the way
of skirts
won't 1t wash?" he asked. rue
fully.
.'Yes-and shrink. too
what can you do2" he asked, in
evident concern. Wont 1t let down,
or something?"
Wen. | think a French hem will
make it all right"
"a French hem,'' he exclaimed
What in the world is that?"
you'll see me making one for the
next few days: but it's too bad you
haven't a sister, Mr.. Lacey If you
of girls, and you'd know what q
French hem was.
"If I had 4 sister; ne said. earnest
", I'D like her to be like you
Cleos eyes sparkled at the In
genuougness Of the big, awkward
man.
you're sure you don't mind about
the skirt ?" he persisted, as they
walked through the meadow again.
mot at air. she declared. in q con-
vincing tone.
"Then maybe you'n go again to-
morrow afternoon" he said. anxious
", "and yet me show you"
ss'That you can remember I'm IN the
boat?" she laughed. Yes I'd like
very much to go again"
Farm work droned, for It was Aug
ust, between cu1tivating and harvest,
SO Hugh was not very busy He
paused next morning by the old
cherry tree where Cleo sat with her
work
making?" he asked, interestedly.