The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-10-03
THE EVENING STORY
At The Other Table.

there were Just two couples, one at
the little table near the fountain, the
other in the corner under the musl-
clans balcony.
There was no music now, for it was
between lunch time and dinner, and
the couple at the table by the foun-
tain were having tea.
+ The couple under the balcony had
lobster and a bird, and salad, and they
ate with an appetite that showed
that they had missed their midday
meal.
81 don't think was ever so hungry
in all my life," said the girl at the
table under the balcony
I'D be ashamed to have such an
Appetite the man opposite her
teased. your grandmother would
have been satisfied with the wing OF
chicken, Marta"
''well, I'm not my grandmother"
and Marta made a little face at him;
besides my grandmother used to SIT
on cushion and sew a nne seam, and
I have been whizzing through miles
of country. And I'm ravenous,
Archie"
"That girl over there" said Archie,
sis satisfied with a toasted muffin and
tea. She's a pretty little thing"
Marta twisted around so that she
could get a good view. ''She's
beauty" she declared heartily. that
red-gold hair is stunning. And that
brown veil brings out the lights. Oh.
you ought to paint her, Archie"
ct don't know her." Archie said,
land I don't know the man"
why, it's Billy Butler" Marta
said, as she took another look.
ST couldn't mistake Billy's back.
There's that bunch of his shoulders,
and that light shock Of hair. But the
idea of Billy drinking teal"
"a man couldn't drink anything but
tea with that girl" Archie told her,
"She wouldn't stand for anything
else.''
II never let you have anything but
Coffee Marta said.
Good old girl" was Arches at
fectionate commentator. Marta,
you're a wonder! And I'll bless you as
me an Introduction to that girl"
I'm afraid I can't" Marta said
doubtfulIy. "Billy Butler and I quar-
relied dreadfully the last time he came
to see me. and we don't speak"
Marta Archie fixed her with a
reproachful eye, "Pll bet you refused
him again.
well, if I did," Marta commended"
he needn't act so idiotically, and he's
evidently consoled."
"She's pretty girl, all right,
Archie enthused:
'she won't make Billy half as good
a wife as 1 would" Marta declared.
at was cut out for Billy"
why didn't you marry MIN tnen
Archie asked.
because he's SO jealous Marta
confded. "He didn't like my letting
you paint my picture, Archie. He
said we were together too mucn' ana
that girls always liked artists, and
that he didn't stand any chance be-
cause he was in business. and all that
tommyrot So 1 told him he could go
and not come back. But now he VIII
marry the wrong girl. And l shall be
an old maid!'
"Not if can help it," Archie
stated valiantly. I'VE may be cous-
ms Marta, but if the worst comes to
worst, we can save each other from
single blesscdness."
81 don't want to be saved" Marta
informed him, succinctly, 81 always
said that If didn't marry Billy l
shouldn't marry any one. But OF
course 1 expected Billy to come back.
"Of course" sympathized Archie,
ga man ought never to take girls
.'WeIl, Billy has, and Marta ap-
piled herself to the salad in anything
but a lovelorn manner, and l feel
it in my bones that 1 shall have to
send teaspoons to that red-haired
girl"
Her hair isn't red. It's gold with
red lights in it,
at isn't" Marta contradicted.
cit is
TITS red" said Marta.
| TITS gold" said Archie.
And then they both laughed.
There's only one way to settle it..
Marta said. I'll go over ana ask
Billy
but 1 thought Billy Woulon [
Hell have to-" Marta declared. and
while we are waiting for our par1alt'
I'll ask the question"
Before Archie could stop her, she
- 10 oh
across the room.
Chilly" she said, as she came up
to the other table, and Butler turned
half around in his seat and stared at
her.
Marital" he CALCULATED. Where
did Won come FROM" and he was on
his feet in an instant.
ct am at the other table, Marta
explained, with Archie Vandervort-
He wants you to decide an argument;
and If you don't mind going over l
will sit down here for a minute.
sCertainly, and I'm so glad to have
YOU meet Miss Merriam. Ruth, this
| is one of my oldest friends. Marta
Blaine"
you won't mind his going over to
the other table, will you ?" Marta
asked. as she sat down.
"Oh. no." and Miss Merriam turned
on her u brilliant glance, not If you
| will stay with me. I have heard SO
much abou, you, Miss Blaine"
"Oh, dear" Marta questioned.
| "what has Billy been saying?"
"Such nice things" the other girl
| told her. "And now that have seen
you, 1 don't believe they are any too
NICE
Marta waved the flattery aside.
Dear child she said, BILLY will
say anything when he is out of my
sight I can keep him straight when
I am with him"
st Just love Cousin Billy" said
Miss Merriam, "he's the dearest
thing"
Marta stared Cousin she said,
| "cousin!' ''Are you Billy's cousin?"