The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-14
THE EVENING STORY
Fate and the Lemon Pie

alone and unmolested, in luxurious
ease, with calm oblivion to the world
at large, he could sit with undisturbed
satisfaction and devour an entire lem
on pie.
And how, at the age of twenty-four,
athletically broad shouldered and tall.
with face capable of inspiring both
trust and respect; face which men
admired and women loved. he had
boarded the fast train at Washington,
with its few stops between there and
his destination, Laurel, Nd, with the
g-wished-for, and interchangeable
treasure in his hand
Ever and always before had some
thing happened to prevent the realiza-
ton of the admirable anticipation.
Sunny-faced "Reminiscences. with faint
fragrance of blossoms, stole over him
as back in the past he saw again the
old porch of the southern Maryland
home and the group of little sisters
and brothers around him clamoring
for pieces of the pie which his mother
had made for him. And after each lit
what remained of the lemon pie?
Only the satisfying remembrance of a
generous heart.
Fleet-footed recollection bounded
swiftly before him. portraying the
long-forgotten day when in an envi-
able frame of mind he had seated
himself on a bench in one of the APP
parently deserted squares of the city,
in passing paused, cycling him in hun.
cry surprise. And that which remain
ed of the lemon pie was the mark In
the book of the recording angel of the
spirit with which the donor had CIV
en- to another in greater need than he.
There had been many other and
similar Interruptions, but the time
which stood out, beyond and above all
others in shadowy- memory. was
the morning, several years previous,
when in passing through a southern
town in winter he had purchased the
last and only pie in the one and only
confectionery store OF the place, and
when he was about to depart, there
had entered slowly, indeed almost
feebly, a girl whose pale, thin face
showed promise of poisoning into
rare loneliness with good health and
proper environment
Attired in a long, dark skirt, evident
ly the property of some one else ere 1t
fell to her lot, and with shawl of green
and blue plaid thrown over her huny
hair, she had crossed to the counter,
addressing few words to the clerk IN
a low tone.
"a gentleman just bought the last
one,'' the clerk had replied, and Hadley,
perceiving the blank expression OF
handed to her his treasure, receiving in
return a silver ten cent piece.
Frequently since then, as commercial
traveller, he had passed through the
looking and watching for the girl whom
he intuitively knew to be now the one
woman in the world for him.
Fate had always been most unkfnd,
and now all of that dream must per-
force fall in line with the procession OF
other impossibilities, and fade away
among the soft white clouds in the for
of the sky, for Cousin So
phia on dying had just left to Hadley, |
in her will, the entire bulk of her rich |
es, on condition-and money meant |
much to young Richard with his widow
ed mother and the younger members or |
the family to be educated for both the
social and business duties OF tfe-that
he marry Miss Angela Cathaway, OF
Maine, a wealthy creature, and an alb
solute stranger to EIadley, but who was
a daughter of Cousin Sophia's first love-
If he failed to win her consent, the pro-
perty and money were to go to hospi-
tails and schools in the Philippines. He
was now on the way to meet her at a
house party, and"
.'IIyattsviile! HyattsviIlel" called the
passengers.
"Why, Dick Hadley" cordially ex-
claimed a gracious voice in his ear.
Dick inwardly groaned, remembering
the uneaten pie, as he quickly rose and
extended his hand.
Beside his friend, Mrs. White, stood
a girl of wonderful grace, richly attired
with simplicity of elegance in white, her
beauty. In her large brown eyes were
written surprise, as they gazed into his
own, from over the red roses at her
throat.
Miss Cathaway, Mr.. Hadley,'' intro
iuced Mrs. White. Angela, my dear,
this is Dick Hadley, son of my girl
hoods dearest friend; and l hope you
.wo will become acquainted while Sit
With an old friend further up the aisle"
"Once upon a time remarked Miss
Cathaway, as Hadley seated her next
@ the window, while visiting an aunt
n the south, became ill and when con- I
,alescing the physician in attendance
consented to my earnest request to be
permitted to taste small piece OF
emon pie. k
There was none in the house. and :
nv aunt, who strongly opposed the idea
If any injudicious eating on my part, ,
lid my clothes. So usurping one of
Ter skirts, and with the cooks plaid
hawl over my head Angela
,aused.
yes, yes." said Richard. his splen- r
lid ewes alight. "And what then?'
at feebly walked out of the kitchen +
Ioor and through the back gate to the
ind all the pies sold. Imagine my dis r
nayI The only thing in life craved- h
t that timel A gentleman stepped up
nd offered me his, for which I gave in
eturn a silver dime. 1t was lemon =
lie. deliciously golden, with a golden :,
rown heap frostily arrayed on the top: .
have never forgotten the pie; shall 8
ever forget the man." gazing steadily v
ut of the window.
would you recognize the fellow"
reclaimed Dick with pounding heart. II
Eyes" replied Angela with downcast a
yes.
sWould you know the diner" d
The girls eyes flashed Indignantly. Il
Certainly not coldly. IL
Hadley took from his pocket his
-atch. to the ring of which was at N
ached a small silver coin. h
See how I've treasured 1t all these %
ears of searching for you. And looki" "
e cried in exuberance of spirits. dis m
Ia wing the emblem of his bliss from | L.