The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-11-03
THE EVENING STORY
Irnpressing Isabel.
(By Elliot walker.)

II
I'm sure don't know how 1 am ever
peered helplessly from the Anticipated
shed. shuddering at the thunder
crashes close on The heels Of every
flash of lightning.
A deluge of rain swept across the
Wild pastures; the brook, fifty feet
away. roared between its alder-lined
banks.
= Upon her wide hat fell steady drib-
BILE from the leaky roof. and her thin
dress was fast dam-ening in the mist
driven shelter.
She forced a laugh. Isabel Lynn was
not easily daunted. OF course it was
lonely and wet and very s1attering to
the nerves, but she was perfectly safe.
Oh, yes, let her thank her stars to be
secure under the friendly boards.
Suddenly a gasp broke from her.
She shrank back. Something was
coming with leaps through the high
weeds growing rankly at the corner of
brain tore thoughts OF dangerous ami
mails. The near mountains might hold
anything. She covered into the
farthest corner. Surely the thing
would go by.
But It didn't. 1t dashed under the
shaking vigorously; then stood gazing
at the storm. and words came to
Isabels Mortified ears In a steady
stream Of Disguised wrath.
We'll, If this doesn't beat mel Look
at my shoes! Look at my new flannel
suit! My hat is ruined! The next time
I go trailing around on the trail of a
girl TIL know it. Foster Allston, you're
an unmitigated ass. guess the charm
ing Miss Lynn will not have the pleas
ure of meeting you! Girls! Bah! I'll
take the first train home. l wish I'd
never heard of her."
so do I!'' sounded a stifed voice in
his rear.
The man jumped and wheeled. He
saw a slender, white-gowned figure
up, take a forward step and
then a halt. A clap of thunder drowned
his gruff exclamation. Then his jaw
fell
did you speak, sir % Indignantly.
IL tried to-. Really. Il am
OF course you are-you-that is-bless
my soul! So unexpected, you know.
Quite a shower"
He cut a ridiculous figure in his
staring embarrassment, pulling off the
wrecked straw hat, bowling in his
soaked garments. greatly at loss for
words, woefully conscious of what he
had said. And he knew that Isabel
Lynn had heard of him as model of
courtesy and easy manners.
dirt, smiling idiotically. Was it for
this-his fifty mile journey?
Isabel is extremely particular, and
sensitive to first Impressions, his aunt
Julia had said. Here is your letter
of Introduction, Foster. It's silly to go
She is worth 1t. Everything depends
upon the way she is approached. I've
praised you to her up to the skies"
The girl stepped nearer. cycling him
In scornful amusement. Her eyes
were bright with ill-concealed desire
to humble. The dampness had curled
her disordered hair in bewltching
rings about her white forehead. Roses
shone in the smooth cheeks where
dimples played.
Allston thought he had never seen
a more lovely face, nor one SO I'M
readable. Idly swinging her hat, she
surveyed him, curiously, with chill
Ing hauteur which stung him to steadi-
ness and a reckless impulse to retort.
when one summers at a farm
house, and takes long strolls. an occa-
sional wetting must be expected, Mr..
said Isabel, evenly. You
shouldn't mind your new suit. Nor
your shoes. Dear me! How childish.
I have heard that you could afford to
disregard trifes. / wasn't to blame.
You needn't have 'trailed' me-"
Allston regarded her in silence.
There was more than a hint of dis
appointment in Isabel's tone. Had
she been prejudiced On his favor, only
to react sharply at his boyish out
burst?
Surely, some humor lay in the sit
uatfon. Couldn't the girl see it? He
dismally, that many women
never forgive sighting remarks even
when uttered in unmeaning careless
ness.
The cool voice went on.
- fRId OF ha
house that was over this way?"
Foster nodded.
"And you never imagined I might
be in this shed ?"
A headshake.
"You must have had me very much
on your mind. Were a big man
seeking a lost damsel, my idea would
be to keep my eyes open for the shell
ters to which she would sensibly run;
not lose my wits in selfish considera-
ton of raiment, and then anathema-
tie the lady" She laughed. cutting
~.
AIlston's countenance was. REDEEM
ing
"Why don't you speak," The up
lift of her chin was a challenge for
his reply. She would laugh and for
give him, after sufficient reduction.
"Tm thinking" said Allston slowly.
''I'm trying to make out what chance
1 have Of Of" he paused. hest
tating.
what chance?" Her eyes opened
wide at his seeming audacity.
"Of catching the 6 o'clock train. 1t
is getting late.''
"Oh." Isabel looked down. then up.
A strange darkness was settling down
upon the earth. Both had forgotten
the storm, now grumbling back from
the south. The man stepped out in
the rain. In a moment he returned.
His face was set in hard, worried lines.
you'll put on my coat and We'll get
into the OPEN" said he decidedly. II
may be fool, but know something OF
cloudbursts. This building isn't safe,
Quick!"
A sharp command, g. clutch beneath
her arm, then. rapid hosting over
rough ground, through a pelt of huge
drops. to a low stone WALL and Isabel.
breathless. felt herself pulled to her
knees. while a strong arm clasped her
firmly.
Forgetting all save the recognition
of superior strength and judgment.