The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-06-10
THE EVENING STORY
Mattel, Making.

Ensconced behind his flower boxes
on the veranda, Tom Errett could look
into the neighboring garden and
watch her; for she, too, sought the
cool and sweetness of her garden. On
tuesday evening she espied him. What
man could resist that smile? There
was silent, perhaps unconscious, in
yltation in it that brought Tom to his
rect and to the wall
Good evening Mr. Errett said
the girl in white
GOOD evening. Miss Smith," an
sWered the man on the wall.
you look altogether too comfort
anie. think we shall have to follow
SUIT and build a veranda."
Don't. Use mine" was ON his
tongues end; but he only responded:
1t is comfortable" Then the in
formality of the situation was too
mucn Tor him. Wont you come over
and try it?" he pleaded.
I'm afraid the wall is too much
Tor me, she said, smiling demurely.
Tom was man who never turned
pack, his hand once on the pillow. He
dropped quickly to the ground, on her
side of the fence.
Tim dreadfully lonely" was his
apology.
On Wednesday she was not visible,
and there was a void upon the earth.
On Thursday and Friday things re-
DAY, the moon was shadowy crescent
above the tree tops; the stars were
still yelled in sunset mistS; the air was
odorous with the scent of mignonette
and sweet peas. Tom, expectancy
written in every feature, waited for
the f1utter of white amid the flowers,
the sound Of a voice which was like
no other voice he had ever heard. At
the nrst signal of her approach, he
stepped boldly on to the wall
Special DELIVERY Si1-' soid
wants voice behind him. He opened
the letter. 1t was from the wife of a
college friend inviting him to spend
sunday at their country place. He
barely time to catch the last train.
Then his eyes fell upon her.
Answer, sir %
''No-yes-wait a moment"
His eyes still sought hers
can help you?" she asked
will your" he flashed eagerly.
May go to church with you tomor-
The corners of her mouth drew to-
had not impressed her as being a
churchman.
"Yes-but it's early mass"
Tom did not finch.
Thanks" he said quietly, and
scribbling a few words. he handed
them to the man.
ITO Mrs. Herndon Roberts. Holly
House, Columbia Heights, N. J.:
Another engagement. Impossible
to go Awfully sorry.-Thonlas Err
ITO Mrs. Herndon Roberts. Holly
House, Columbia Heights. N. j.:
Your letter miscarried and came
too late. Greatly disappointed. Will
run up next Saturday if convenient to
you.-Augusta Smith,
Herndon Roberts, returning from
L. ~, Ii II e.
staring at the two kilograms with dis
appointed eyes.
Fate is against u.s." she groaned.
tom has another engagement
gusta says that my letter miscarricd
and reached her too late. / shall
write them both special delivery now"
Going to her desk Mrs. Roberts PEN
ned the following notes:
Dear Tom-Don't make any en-
gagements for next Saturday or Sun
day. If you have one, break it. do,
Tom, dear. We are going to try the
stronger inducement. Take the $40
by way of the Cortlandt street ferry.
Hastily but cordially yours,
agnes ROBERTS F"
my Dear Augusta-Can't under
stand my letter miscarrying, but l
won't cry over spilled milk, although 1
was tempted to. Delighted at the
prospect of having you with US this
coming Saturday. Take the $40
train by way of the Cortlandt street
AGNES ROBERTS"
The gatekeeper at the ferry shut
Tom from joining the hurrying crowd
a dozen yards in advance
Sorry, sir, but you're too late" he
said. "TherelI be another boat in
few minutes"
Tom, suit case in hand. gazed help |
lessly at the closed gate.
TOO late to connect with the 3:1O,"
he said. This boat would have made |
it," But his tone was listless.
The OFFICIAL eye stu regarded res rsnaa him
"Where were you bound for?"
Columbia Heights"
"No more trains for the Heights to- |
day, SIR"
fee % asked Tom, striving to hide the |
grin of delight which spread over his
face as the man spoke.
He sent his telegram to the Rob
crises, jumped into a cab. and drove |
Disappointment await
ed him. however. The house next door
was suspiciously quiet.
Cook says they've gone away" VEN
tured his man. as Tom sat down to his
"For how long?" asked Tom family.
"All summer, sir. Miss Smith has
went to the Hot Springs. Rheumatics
terrible, SIR
peated Tom. regardless of his English |
In his excitement.
at suppose, sir, that when folks gets
Did they feel a bit shaky, SIR the
man explained.
"Old?'' roared Tom, what do you
1.-THE cook said Miss Smith would be
sixty-four come next September sir"
"Of whom are you speaking, Jones?"
my reference is to the maiden par
ty, sir. Miss Smith, Mrs. Smiths sister
n-law.'
stared stonily at his plate.