The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-01-25

reckoning them with lures and caresses,
and with Eyes" smiling from her eyes,
has tricked them on to their knees. and
turned her back. and left them
and fell to dreaming At length she
picked it up again and began searching
through 1t for other marked passages.
These she read with feverish interest
came upon these lines: II am think
ing of retiring into the plantations, and
building myself wigwam In the
woods, and perhaps, If I want COM
At this Nan burst into tears and
buried her face in the leather cush-
Ions.
Mrs. Mcqueen came rustling into the
room.
20, lassie, lassie," she called. at the
sight of Mans forlorn little figure.
What is't? Dinna We greet, lass,
dinna We greet?''
The woman's sympathetic voice and
touch gradually Gained the girls emo,
ton. Nan dried her eyes and smiled
up at the housekeeper shyly.
Il was reading something very sad,
she exclaimed "Do you ever cry over
books, Mrs. McQueen?"
cay. nony's the time. miss. when l
was a bonnie lass like yourself"
Nan continued to make little dabs
at her still fearful eyes.
"Mr. Mason doesn't like women,
does hep" she asked at length.
Hes nae Ger muck1e fond O. them
but how did you come to ken that,
miss?''
Nan blushed in pretty confusion.
"Oh, I noticed he hasn't any pho
tographs OF girls around anywhere"
she answered. by now almost laugh
ing.
Suddenly she jumped up. and seiz-
ing the housekeeper by both hands,
clapped them together vigorously.
81 have. the loveliest, jolliest plan,
Mrs Mcqueen. I'm going to stay to
dinner. Isn't that romantic? Oh.
know you haven't invited me-" she
added playfully, observing the house,
keepers undisguised CONSERVATION,
"but just the same-sh! What was
that?"
"It's his key in the door. miss"
"Quick, hide mel" Nan Whispered
excitedly.
The next moment she found herself
in a small unfurnished room, used
evidently for a gymnasium. There was
no place to sit down, and she did not
dare turn on the light, SO that the
time seemed endless before the ooor
finally opened and the housekeeper
Dinners ready, Miss He's stttin'
by the fire, Miss. VIII We gaze in
moor"
Nan threw her furs. coat and hat
on the IlOOT.
eyes. I'll go in now" she said tim
idly. I'm kind of scared. Mrs. Nc
Queen. Do you suppose my halr
looks right?"
"Tis bonnie, I'm sure, Miss. And
If it wasn't, he's not ane O. the crtti-
cal kind
Nan stood on the threshold of the
living room motioniess. There be-
fore the fire sat the man of the house
evidently absorbed in thought.
Suddenly he buried his face in his
hands and sighed heavily.
Gerald" Nan called, but she had
not the courage to go to him.
He turned. stared across the room
in surprise, then buried his face
again. ITS only dream" he said.
The next moment Mans arms were
about his neck.
whispered. I'm. not playing with
you. I have followed YOU to your
wigwam."
"Nan. Nan. is. it really you? But
what are you talking about?"
Nan pointed to the open book on
the table.
"You mean" Gerald said hoarse-
~, "that you love me, dearest, that
you will
Nan nodded before he finished his
question.
eyes is smiling from my eyes.
Gerald but this time not to trick
you
Gerald crushed her to his heart and
kissed her.
Dinner is served" announced Mrs.
Mcqueen in the doorway, prefacing
the interruption with a polite cough.
Nan sprang out OF Gerald's arms,
blushing rosily.
GIVE already invited myself to
dinner, Gerald" she confessed hum
bly,. eff I stay, will you promise
never to teI1?"
"Cross my heart, dear"
teHow about your squaw?"
''My-what?'' gasped Gerald.
Again Nan pointed to the book.
Gerald understood and burst out
laughing.
s"There'1l be another bachelors
apartment to rent soon, won't there.
Gerald?" suggested Nan teasingly. IT
wonder WHO'LL"
But Gerald had lost all interest in
bachelor ents.-(Copyrighted
1908, by e. c. Parcells.)