The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-03
The EVENING STORY
In the Nick of Time.
(By Martha cobb Sanford

(By Martha Cobb Sanford.)
elizabeth was living in a dream.
she was quite conscious that it was
q dream, but she was far less certain
whether or not she wanted to wake
up from 1t
Venice-and here she was actuaIly
leaning over fower-rr1nged balcony.
with old palace walls behind her, the
turquoise sky above her, and at her
Feet the flashing, gay canal
Most marvellous of all. she had but
to speak the word and the dream
would become a reality Venice
would be her home! Why had she
hesitated? She liked Philip. She was
always happy when with him.
And here the doubt crept in-or
perhaps 1t was the memory of some
one else.
Elizabeth buried her hot cheeks in
the cool blossoms near ner. Dreamdly
she dipped into the future. far as
human eye could see.'' What did life
hold for herr With Philip-the dis
covery OF new wonders for him to
paint.
Slowly she became conscious that
some one was calling her by name
but 1t was not Philip. OF that she was
sure.
Elizabeth-Elizabeth Merrill"
whoever it was he was unmis-
takably laughing at her
Elizabeth looked over the balcony
at the people passing on the quay
below.
"why, Donald Lindsey" she ex-
claimed. growing wide awake in
minute. Where did you come from
and where are you going? Why don't
you come I'D and caH?"
The young man gagged the dis
lance from where he stood UP to
Elizabeths retreat and laughed at his
deduction.
TITS easier to call than to come
up, isn't it?'' he returned good
naturedly.
Whereupon Elizabeth gave him
the necessary passport, and he was
soon beside her.
Now tell me why you are here" de-
manded Elizabeth, with an attempt to
be indifferently cordial.
Donald looked off at the merry lit
tie craft with their white canopies
dancing invitingly in the sunshine,
and his eyes smiled mischievously.
ITO ask you to go gondoliering
is, II you have no other engagement. :"
Donald Lindsey. what nonsense!"
chided Elizabeth scornfully.
MAY sound like it, admitted
Donald, unperturbed, ..but just the
same I mean it. You see. your
Father is traitor!" broke in
Elizabeth with animation.
Donald shrugged his shoulders in
provokingly irresponsible manner,
and went on as calmly as if there had
been no interruption
''An about the swan-1ike gondolas,
the bewitching moonlight, the mystic
music, the little twinkling lanterns
and so on. Gee, Elizabeth, couldn't
stand it! just had to come over.
Just think Of missing this!'' he con-
c1uded appealingly, with a sweeping
gesture that Indicated the wealth of
scenic beauty spread out before them.
But Elizabeth's vision had travelled
far-across broad waters, and a sud-
den pang of homesickness gripped her
heart. Outward1y, however, she gave
no sign of relenting.
''But 1t was agreed, Donald she
stated accusingly. that YOU should
not follow me here, unless I sent
you word
sRut now that I'm here" he
pleaded wistfully. "you will go with
me, won't you?"
Elizabeth wanted to laugh at the
boyishness Of him, but she only
smiled fndulgently
Some time, Donald. Not tonight"
The indefiniteness of Elizabeth's
acquiescence suggested to Donald the
necessity of imm edfate action.
cit must be tonight, Elizabeth" he
said with unexpected decision.
.fWhy?" was all Elizabeth trusted
herself to ask; her heart was thump-
ing fast and hard.
Because Donald answered quiet
ly, out with directness Of gaze that
disconnected her, ct may not be here
tomorrow night
you're incorrigfble, Donald"
Elizabeth answered lightly, assuming
a fippancy she was far from feeling.
"But you'll go?'' urged Donald.
"Why, of course, since you're to be
here only one night"
They fell silent a moment, watching
the kaleidoscope gayety below them.
Tell me- how did you find me?"
asked Elizabeth finally.
"You mentioned the name OF your
palace in YOUR letter." Donald answered,
smiling $50 I thought I'd just stroll by
first and take look from the outside.
I knew I'd found you when saw your
hair glistening in the sunlight There's
nothing in all Italy, Elizabeth, to COM
pare
.eYou mustn't say such things to me-"
interrupted Elizabeth, blushing. IL
can't let you. Donald"
you're just the same Elizabeth.
aren't your" he laughed. II thought over
herein Rome, you know. do as the
Romans do Don't they say SUCH
things over here"
Elizabeth lowered her eyes under the
directness of his challenge.
"'Little boys should be seen and not
heard" she retorted evasively. That's
international etiquette, isn't it?''
as Philip a little boy?" Donald
startled her by asking.
'ePhilip?" she echoed, to gain time.
sC.est une autre chose"
s~You are not polite" Donald said re-
provingly. You know do not under
stand italian"
Elizabeth laughed outright.
Excuse my French" she said mis- |
chieyous1y. 'TIl translate it for you. 1t |
means that no other little boy has any |
thing to do with the case"
Donald eyed her with suspicion.
'tI don't believe it," he replied. "Tll |
translate it. It means that Philip is an |
exception to the rule"