The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-21
The EVENING STORY
A Dreamer of Dreams.
(By Jane Ludlum Lee. }


dreams /"
Thus addressed, Charlie Darlington
turned slowly around in his armchair.
He and his friend, Billy Laughton,
were seated in the window of the
American club. watching the Saturday
afternoon crowds pour out of the mat
inees.
We'll that depends largely on the
dream" announced Darlington, at
length. IF, for instance, you dream
of finding money in the street, take
my word for it. old man, there's Moth
Ing in it. But, on the other hand, you
dream that some distant relative has
died, and you are called upon to chip
in and help pay funeral expenses-well,
such things have been known to hap
pen."
hngton." declared laughter. you're a
cipher
.-Oh. say, old man." protested OAR
lington. ASK me something sensible"
Darlington rose from his chair, and
picked up his hat from a nearby table.
Pm Off You had better go to sleep.
and I'll leave word with the boy to call
you in case you wander away In one of
those dreams
$ Laughton did not know that his
friends sudden departure had been
caused by the sight of Charlotte Com
stock walking down the avenue alone
Darlington overlook her in few min
utes.
Let's go to Balston's and get an
fce," Darlington suggested as an excuse
for having Charlotte to himself for d
while. And Charlotte seemed more
than willing.
once seated in the fashionable tea
room, Charlotte said she preferred tea
to an ice.
You see. I'm not up to the mark
today" she explained. Il had a bad
night of it-had horrible dreams all
night long" Then looking up at at
him and opening wide her usually
dreamy eyes. she suddenly asked: do
you believe in dreams? 2"
Darlington repressed his mirth for
the time being.
'Eh-well-that isl was just dis
cussing that very question:" he STAN
mered.
We'll. do your" persisted Charlotte.
"Yes-no-that is. sometimes" began
Darlington. Then he stopped and
pinched his arm. Say, do look queer
to you, Miss Comstock?'' he continued.
"I don't happen to be dreaming now,
do I?''
"Oh, you're so funny. Mr.. Darling
ton." cried Charlotte, much amused.
I'll not tell you another word! You're
prosaic, wide-awake man. 1 believe
you're a night Waterman, and don't
sleep at ALL"
But, my dear GIRL night watchmen
tested Darlington.
All arguments, however, were of no
avail. Charlotte would not finish her
story, and conversation was forced into
other channels.
The next morning Charlie Darlington
awoke in his bachelor apartments with
most uncomfortable feeling in his
head. He raised his right arm to feel
his aching head, and his arm seemed
to work like a piece of machinery in
need of oiling.
His head to all intents was bound up
as in wise. His throat was parched.
After moment a knowing smile came
over his>face.
""Ah, I know, he announced to him
self. &
He pressed a button for his man.
who answered the summons at once.
Hail." demanded Darlington sharp
ly, what time is it? How did 1 get
here and where was 1 last night?'
Its past eleven, SIR Then, seeing
the mystified expression on his mas
ter's face, he smiled a most annoying
smile. Maybe If you shook yourself
you'd recall it. Guess you're not awake
yet, are vou?"
"I don't know, Hall thought I was.
But maybe I'm dreaming"
He made an effort to sit up, uttered
a cry of pain and sank back in the pill
low again. Without further explana-
ton Hall disappeared. Darlington,
again left to himself, tried to solve the
problem, and little by little ne feit an
explanation dawn on him. The door
opened and Billy Laughton entered.
well, old tenderfoot. how goes it?"
greeted Billy.
"Sit down, Billy. I want to tell you
something" answered Darlington.
10 1v-au hnr n "
realistic dream-and I'm not altogether
sure that I'm awake yet"
Forget it, Charlie" sung out Laugh
ton between the puffs of his cigarette
WAS it finding money in the street or
burying your relatives?" suggested
Laughton, not without sarcasm.
At this moment Hall entered bearing
a tray with steaming hot coffee.
Two ladies to see you, sir" Hall an
nounced as he put the tray On a table
at the bedside.
"Impossible!" exclaimed Darlington.
Probably Aunt Dora and Charlotte"
suggested Laughton as he rose. Then
turning to Darlington he AIDED: Quiet
down old man-it'S all right; you're
dreaming, that's ALL"
Charlotte and her mother were stand
ing in the doorway. and Darlington
stared at the two figures.
"One minute, Billy" said Darlington
as he put forth a very stiff arm. IF
I'm dreaming-and / believe 1 am-for
the love of humanity don't wake me-"
rs he delirious?" Charlotte inquired
of Billy.
Not any more SO than usual" as
sured Billy with friendly brutality.
did you bring those flowers for him."
continued Billy, nodding in the direc-
ton of the bed, whereas Charlotte
glowered at him and Mrs. Comstock
said something about 'unseemly lev
ity."
will you ever forgive me, Mr.. Oar
lington?" Charlotte was saying. iii
never forgive myself; but you see,
thought it was safe for me to cross
and"
Darlington loked at the girl closely.
He had loved her for many months.
but had never had the courage to tel;
her so. She had always impressed him
as a serious-minded girl. Could SHE be
up to some trick now with her cousin,