The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-22
TIE EVENING STORY
Professor ana Dead .Ie.ter,
(By Nellie Crayeyi Gilmore. }

professor was distinctly uncermon-
ious one. Tripping lightly across the
mud-sogged pavement, she suddenly
caught one foot in a tangled heap or
wire-fiung down from the telephone
and telegraph lines by the ravagfng
hand OF recent hurricane-and
stumbled precipitately into the arms
OF a blond giant. who supported her
valorously till she had blushingly re-
covered her poise-
Thanks. awfully," she said, ''you
have doubtless saved my life."
Your froek, more likely" he re-
glad 1 happened along at the propit-
ious moment
Belinda returned him a. little COM
bination smile and nod as she lifted
her dainty, crisp skirts and pursued
her way cautiously across the slippery
street.
Hardiman restrained his eagerness
until a reasonably safe length of time
had elapsed before turning to look
around. He had gained the opposite
sidewalk by this time, and his glance
back at the girl betrayed instantly to
the casual pedestrians that the pro-
lessor had been abruptly shaken from
his phlegmatic attitude of mind.
Belinda turned into Oak street, all
unconscious of the scrutiny that fol-
lowed her, and Hardiman continued,
ms way In tun1ult of chaotic refiec-
tons. He reached his hotel in a state
VI 1AiA1o that was quite Impossible Il LiC
very first look into the girls face had
thrilled him startlingly; the accidental
contact of her delicate form against
his had finished the job. He told him
self that 1T was case of love at first
sight. So much for the explosion Of
his lifelong theories. Then a perfect
regiment of doubts and fears assailed
him. Perhaps. after all, she was not
girl but a married woman.
the professor ate his dinner in 81
AfteTWa a n
and for some inexplicable reason ex-
changed his dark suit for one of light
er and more becoming texture. He
brushed his hair painstakingly. placed
a soft gray Alpine hat on his head and
sauntered forth in quest of-fresh air.
1t was almost dark before he returned.
disappointed and oddly depressed. He
eschewed supper altogether and went
and meditation.
Meanwhile Belinda had reached home.
put on pair of dry boots and settled
herself for quiet afternoon. School
would open on Monday and she would
not have many more afternoons to
lounge, as they would be given over to
outdoor recreation after the trying hours
of the morning. The town clock. strik-
ing 6, aroused her. She tore UP the last
letter, old love letters they were and
tossed the bits into the CRATE Then she
made careful toilet and went down
stairs to dinner. Teddy Everitt was
coming over that evening, she recollect-
ed, but for the first time in many
months the prospect of a visit from that
individual gave her no particular pleas
ure.
Sunday morning she selected her most
becoming gown and hat It was a per
feet day, and her satisfaction was al
most complete. She created the usual
SUI as she walked up the aisle of the
village church and took her seat near
the front. Less than five minutes after
ward the professor came in and sat down
in the pew opposite. He had been wait
ing outside half the mornihg,unobsetved
but alert. After service Belinda gave
him fleeing smile of recognition, and
for some reason that was new to her
turned and hurried home as fast as her
pretty, patent leather covered feet could
carry her.
When school opened the following day.
the first person she encountered on en-
tering the faculty hall was the new pro-
lessor. She blushed to her ears. and
trying valiantly to retain her scholarly
demeanor; but the logged crimson
showed persistently through the tanned
cheeks, and her eyes were puzzles
Hardiman made no effort to conceal
his qualification. Or If he did, he was
not at all successful. The rest of the
teachers looked on in good-natured
amusement. None of them were old
maids.
intimacy; in two, it became a serious
proposition; after three, the only thing
lacking were the words and the ring
The professor had at last made up his
mind to propose. He had meant to re-
strain his ardor till the close of the
term, but when it became manifest that
the adorable little instructor of grade
No. reciprocated his affection, pru-
dence was thrown to the winds. He sat
in his study, pondering. Suddenly he
70 - I,fC
short but thorough order. He made a
point of never sighting his duties for
anything. Then he drew forth a square
envelope and sheet of white paper to
match. This seemed to him the most
direct and final way of settling matters
between them. Belinda was a coquette,
there was no getting around that fact |
even in ones most generous moments |
and Hardiman was determined to cor
ner her completely. He composed his |
And now that he had broken the ice at |
last, he meant to carry things to a rapid |
finish. The professor was nothing If |
not business-like. He fished in a draw |
er and pulled out teachers resignation |
blank. This he put in a separate en-
v,,lope and directed both to the dearest |
girl in the world.
The following morning, the postman's |
shrill whistle brought Belinda herself |
to the door. She took the mail and !
glanced through it hastily, rivers of |
SCARLET flowing over her cheeks as che |
recognized Hardiman's familiar back |
hand. She tore open the envelope |
scanned the contents with I
whitening face. The paper fell from |
her fingers and she leaned Imply |
against the banister rail. So-she was |
asked, in the briefest possible way, to |
resign, and she had dared to dream
she had been so sure-she had been |
such a fool! She smothered the sob |
n her throat, and in quick scorn of
herself dashed the hot tears from her
eyes. Then she pulled herself togeth-
ar sharply and went up stairs with |
trembling fingers she filled out the |
plank and directed it to the board
Drab weeks followed. Every effort |
t.,