The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-04-01
TEE EVENING STOR Y
When Woman Guides the Plot.
(BY Henry LinsleY Dooltttle.l

(By Henry Linsley Doolittle.)
The unusual is ever the most attrac-
tive. From his assortment Of morning
mail Bower first of all selected the one
unbusinesslike envelope and hastily
tore it open.
my Dear Jimmy'-he read softly,
with rising elation.
ION Monday evening next, April the
first, am planning a little heart sur
prise party in honor of little sisters
birthday. It won't be complete with
out one of her best friends, so please
cut everything and come. I should
have let you known sooner had 1 not
expected to see you at the club re-
out with the other girl? Anyway,
Monday evening without fail
your sincere friend,
GRACE LOUISE ELSTON.
March 81, 19O6.'
"It wouldn't do to miss Marjorie's
birthday-in memory of three years
ago if for no other reason he medi-
tated.
TOO bad she had to kick up such
a fuss for nothing: How was 1 to
or never should have been invit-
ed. I wonder" but at that moment
the pile of business letters caught his
eye reprovingly.
he found the apartment ablaze with
hearts. Large ones adorned the cur
tains and electroliers. while smaller
tokens of the occasion were Strewn
about in picturesque profusion. Above
the main doorway hung a flying cupid,
prince of romance.
The early arrivals had formed into
interested groups More than once
Bower thought he heard the mention
of some engagement, but upon draw
ing nearer he was met by sudden
change of subject and what seemed
half-startled glances. AT last he cor
nered his hostess.
What does a heart party usually
mean?" she parted with laugh that
Jared strangely on his nerves. "Oh,
there's Mr.. Stanwood. 1 must see that
he meets some of the out-of-towners,"
and she was gone.
sister," as he had once calad her,
looked very much grown up tonight.
Bower was among the first to press
forward with congratulations. How
many is 1t this timer" he quizzed in
well-feig1ed ignorance. Lets see:
Three years ago it was nineteen; this
time you throw double twos-sign of
good luck"
You have too good a memory, Jim.
Can't you ever forget? After the teens,
a girl isn't so proud of her age
He made way for the others, with q
it been so much her fault three years
ago? AT the other side CT the room he
caught sight of Miss Sherwood beckon-
ing to him with parted lips. Mechani
cally he crossed to har side.
II was never so stumped in my life"
confided his companion. You are an
old friend of the family, Nj. Bower
did Miss Elston tell you before to-
night?"
Il was about as much in the dark as
any one he evaded.
And did you see the ring?" she rat
tied on. IT'S a perfect beauty!"
Those best wishes-were they as inno-
Gently attached to her birthday as he
had supposed? He tried TO recall her
new friends, but none seemed to fit
the case.
"Well, if you can't tell me any mere
about the man than that, 1 guess I'll
hunt up some one who can."Miss Sher-
wood disappeared with parting shot:
Il always supposed you were the right
bower in that game
Miss Elston was passing the tally
cards. The head table is up there"
she indicated, land the BOBBY at the
other end. AS there are two people
short. the poorest couple at the last ia
BILE will have to drop out ca IN time
until the next change. You'll ind
consolation cozy corner in The conseIVa-
tory"
Starting at the third table, Jim slow
1y advanced to the head and then as
suddenly dropped to the other shd-
Marjorie was already there:
"Unlucky in cards" she laughed.
You might have given a fellow a
little warning he grieved, sort of
chance to renew his option" But the
sound of the bell cut short the con-
versation.
atrociously, now heaping hearts upon
her score, now adding needlessly to his
own The other pair exchanged know
ing glances. He couldn't have made a
palmer bid for the cozy corner, Yet
Now tell me all about it," began
Jim a few minutes later.
Marjorie hesitated.
There isn't so much to tell" she
began slowly at last. Clinton is a
distant cousin of mine. He cares for
me and 1 care for him. He's well off
and generous-and good looking"
She weighed each winning quality
with a elaboration that hurt And
above all, he knows his own mind.
Why shouldn't I love him ~ she de-
manded, turning suddenly to her COM
panion.
"oh, don't mind me tonight" he
deprecated. TITS just this: I can't
seem to realize what it all means to
me. We did have such good times
once, Marble
She started at the sound of her
nickname, SO dearly loved of old. I'VE
were children then" refiectively.
''And you promised to give me first
chance if any one else came along" he
pursued, drawing closer.
did I, really? How foolish of me-"
she laughed yet we were children
through it all. We even scrapped like
children at the finish
mostly my fault" he owned.
Her laughing gray eyes glanced up
to his.
''No, all your fault" she corrected:
Marie, do you really love him ?"
demanded Jim.
She started violently.
''Why, the idea-what a question!
Here 1 came out for a friendly little
talk with you, and you're proving
regular inQuisitor. Do you suppose I
shall ever marry a man don't love