The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-18
THE EVENING STORY
A Garden Romance.
(By Bernard Brainerd.)


| Tilling the soil was one of Earl Bent
iy's hobbies
A gentleman tiller this young man
might have been called, though the
| style in which he was dressed on this
particular morning while working in
his garden was no fanciful affair.
A faded coat, corduroy trousers.
earth-stained canvas leggings, and an
old broad-brimmed hat composed his
attire. Between his teeth he held a
short brierwood pipe.
Bently bent down and was soon bus
lily engaged in placing a great cluster
of sweet alyssum in it's moist earthly
bed, and finishing by encircling 1T with
gorgeous Mabel Morrison.
So engrossed was he in his work
that he did not hear the sound on the
drive in front of the house, nor light
football on the gravel walk.
When he glanced up at last he was
startled to see young woman but a
few feet away. She wore a pretty
white summer costume trimmed with
ribbons. and a huge picture hat. In
her hand she carried a white silk par
asol. Bently, however, saw only the
calm, beautiful face.
She looks like a queen" was his
thought, as he arose and lifted his hat.
The young lady could not have fail
ed to see him, but, to Bently's surprise.
She did not notice his salutation. Bently
gazed after her in establishment. She
moved gracefully along his garden
walk, occasionally pausing to look at
some choice specimen.
Bently very nearly fancied that this
proud intruder was a phantasy of his
brain, and he stood staring after ner
until she disappeared. Then he de-
cided to follow her. When she again
Ing over a rose bush.
What are uhese?" she asked, indi-
eating the pretty buds with her taper
ing finger.
Bentiy described the variety of the
rose.
at is a very rare specimen" he
added.
Break me off several. please
Bently deft1y severed a half dozen
punches and handed them to her, She
thanked him and moved away. Bently
took out his handkerchief and mopped
his brow.
Wei. if this isn't a puzzlel Shall
follow her again and speak to her? She
seems to be perfectly at home and to
regard me- egad. as the earth under
her feet. i must find some way to ask
this magnificent young person what
her business is here"
His perplexity was dispelled for
time by the lady looking over her
shoulder, and calling softly, "Will you
come here a moment?"
Rently was soon at her side.
What Is the name of that beautiful
rose ?" she asked. Indeed. that rose
the very pride of his garden-a splen-
did specimen which Bently had watch
ed unfold in the dollhouse, and only
transplanted in the garden. Two beau
tiful blooms were on the stalk. He told
her its name.
clip me off q rose. please
She noticed Bently's hesitation and
Strang expression. and said 81 sup
pose you know I am Miss Blaney?"
The name still left Bently decidedly
in the dark, but he clipped a rose and
presented it to her with bow.
Miss Bianey, everything in this gar
den is yours he said CALAMITY.
II am glad you are aware Of it, she
replied, as she pinned on the rose. 1T
thought you doubted my right"
mot in the least he said Your
your permission 1 will show you
through the garden; perhaps there is
something else you would fancy
His intended irony was lost on his
fair visitor. She allowed him to walk
by her side like a pet spaniel or a
cat. not troubling herself to speak fur
ther. Bently pointed out, and asked
her to accept, some of his most beau
tiful specimens, but every time she re-
fused
mo, thanks. I shall ask no more IA
vors. 1 see you are Jealous of your
pets" she said Little wonder you
keep this place beautiful.
In n short time they had finished the
inspection of the garden and. looking
up, she said. would you like to re-
main here or have you other arrange
ments?''
Bently looked at her in surprise.
certainly I would like to
that is. if you have no objec-
ton he said. with hooking smile.
Miss Blaney replied rather musing-
ly:
mo. 1 do not think 1 could do bet
ter"
She allowed her eyes to rove over
the garden. ''It is a beautiful place. I
am delighted with it,
BentIy bowed low.
ct would like this question settled at
once" she said. Are you willing to
engage?"
The humor of it all began to appear
10 Bently.
But, Miss Blaney," he said. 'it is
my duty to warn you that I am a yer! |
high priced parsonage
II do not think you can take the ad-
vantage of me because am woman"
she replied, quickly. for you will find |
hat I am a good business woman, l
IAN assure you. Your salary Will be |
according to your service. and no |
more" Then she added less emphat- |
cally 'But try to please me and you |
will find we will have no occasion to /
Iuarrel over your compensation"
Miss Blanev and Bently were now /
Walking toward the house. Looking |
It her watch she said, 81 shall not
lave time to go into the house today.
Thank you for showing me through
he garden" Then quite pleasantly. |
What is your name ?"
INV name is Bently." he replied.
Good day Bently,' she said. "I
hink we shall agree.
Carelessly nodding to him. she NOV
d on in the direction of her carriage.
The footman aIighted and opened the
roor, and Bently watched her drive
way.
Several mornings later Bently was
tut for a mornings ride on his favorite
addle horse when he saw a carriage
.pproa ching with two people in II. |
T. niclr I'D "a |