The Topeka state journal., 1906-03-02
TIE EVENING STORY
Suzette's Solution.
Ar Es1r


years at an eastern college, was coming
home. And what was she. Helena
crosby, going to say to the girI2 It
/ was IN answer to Helena's own urgent
appead that the girl was coming; that
and Sanford's letter Despite the
/ warmth of the sweet June day. Helena
| shivered What was she to say?
Sanford's letter spoke for Itself. In
clear, unmistakable terms It begged
Suzette to give up that long dreamed
OF year in Europe, and come back and
marry him. His anxiously awaited pro-
motion had arrived; he was at last in
a position to ask the fuldllment of their
boy and girI pledge. Helena knew well
enough what the letter contained. Had
she not practically dictated the sub
stance Of It?
And Suzette's only answer had been
a noncommittal telegram, Starting for
home today
| Did she mean to marry Robert or did
she not2 That was the question whtcn
over and over again rose feverishly to
the sisters mind. Since Suzette was
sixteen and Robert twenty-three, the
two had been engaged-or rather, there
had been an understanding between
them. Tnen Suzette had gone to col
lege and Robert had followed his regi-
ment to the Philippines.
Had the trouble begun, tEen, wonder
ed Helena DULY, when triangular
chain of correspondence linked the
three2 Or was It not until Sanford had
come to Helena first to talk aoo II
the absent Suzette, then to argue and
tease about her own concerns, and last
~ to discuss that never firing topic Tor
conversation to q man-himselfT He
lena could not tell But lightly, un-
thinkingly they had drifted along un-
til all unWittingIy a sudden shock lald
bare the truth to loN er and sister [na5
a new feeling, stronger, deeper, nad
taken the place Of that childish a1ee-
tion.
Sanford, manlike, had wanted to ad-
nit the truth and face the conse-
quences. But Helena, her heart a merry
turmoil of conflicting emotions would
not listen. She, who, although only
year and half the elder, had been al
ways mother, nurse. everything to the
cherished little sister-she to be the
one to destroy that sisters happiness,
break forever her faith in human
kind2
"Impossiblel' cried Helena. her gray
eyes dark with anguish. And from
that determination she could not be
shaken, despite Roberts most impas-
stoned pleadings.
''I cannot hurt Suzette,'' was her un-
swerving answer. And at last Robert
desperate. had written Suzette. Since
the thing must be met let it be met at
once. Let them be married at once
and return to the Philippines. 1t was
the only remedy either could see.
And so 1t was that Helena Crosby
could see nothing fair nor lovely in the
clear, warm sunshine, the rustling,
bird-hlled trees. When would Suzette
Gomez And what would be the end :?
This was all her tired brain could
carry.
There was a crisp football in the
street a sharp tinkle of the bell. Then
the sound of Suzette's voice in a low
interchange Of words; a retreating,
heavier footstep, The next moment
the girl had sprung into the room. Her
arms closed about Helena
why, you darling!" she cried. 4'VVI1y
Helena, dear" as her quick eye noted
the signs of suffering in the elders
face Helena tried to smile.
1t Is nothing, sweetheart" she an
swered. only a touch of headache. -
falling back on woman's never-failing
excuse. "Oh, Suzette; how glad I am
to sec you!'
suzette laughed, hugging her close.
me glrIs cheeks were flushed to a
vivid pink, her blue eyes, her piquant
httle mouth, her wavy soft brown
half all seemed alive, a culver with
youth and joyousness. A breath from
the brilliant, blossomy outer world
seemed to have strayed IN with her.
A sob rose in Helena's throat How
get!
suzette. tossing Off hat and cloves.
turned suddenly and catching The oder
girFs hands, pulled her down into the
big chair, so often the shelter for them
Doth. Her eyes were serious now
Tell me what it all means?" she
demanded practically. why is Robert
II such hurry all at onoe7 He seems
TO have existed without me hitherto fair-
~ Well with an amused little laugh.
why, then, this sudden eagerness %
His promotion-his return 10 the
Philippines stammered Helena It
was going to be even harder than she
had fancied. If to give up Robert to
an invisible. intangible little sister had
| been difficult enough, the renouncing of
him to this radiant splendid young clea-
/ thinks 81
ed. ''H-''
He thinks 7 will go with him to the
Philippines put in Euzette keenly. '1!''
There was incredulous protest in every
line of the pretty face.
Helena flushed.
why surely. dear, ah his wife"
she began. But Suzette interrupted.
MOT IT. she declared decisively. mo
heather lands for me! It's absurd"
Absurd echoed Helena. But SUI
zette, dear-if you love him. Surely ycu
| love him?" she insisted strenuously.
Suzette's chin tilted resentfully-
do I?' she said. Not enough for
that, anyway. After all, haven't seen
Robert in ages and we were only babies
When-when We were foolish" her
own wild-rose tint deepening. He IS
unreasonable. How do I know whether
love him2"
but you dot'' broke in Helena pas-
sionately. "Of course you do; you nj
ways have, dearest. And he loves you" !"
bravely.
''Um-does hep" was the dubious re-
sponse. 'fWell-perhaps. But Listen.
Helena her voice sharpening sudden
ly; "you-you remember Mr.. Williams2 ?
I've written about him.
Yes" answered Helena, SURPRISED
The little face was hidden now on her
shoulder.
9Well-well='' came a .nufled
sound. s'he has always known Of my
engagement to Robert-so, when l told
him that I was coming home, hs-he
IfTr,ff at me
older than / a good deal" went OH the
! voice; "he-he cares for me very dearly,
though. He wants to take me abroad,
to let me study
A sudden blind resentment surged
I through Helena
-rBut-but Robert" she urged We