The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-08-08
THE EVENING STORY
Gregory's Fortune.
(By Barry Preston. }

L
| various colored illumination.
| The orchestra in its palm-bordered
pavilion played a final selection, after
which the musicians put their fnstru-
ments in the cases with businesslike
! flnality. The crowd, which an hour
earlier had fairly swarmed the place.
| was now thinning out 20 a few scatter
| ed groups. Already the gayly cos
| TUNED young ladies at the various
| booths were beginning to put away
| ly as they YEARLY took account of
| stock and compared notes on the
| sales they had made.
The annual bazaar for the Home for
Incurables always came to just such a
| stereotyped, successful ending.
| Quite apart from the other loiterers,
on a rustic bench beneath a towering
maple, Peter Gregory watched the
proceedings about him the while he
| smoked a contemplative cigarette. He
| had done his duty nobly. He had
taken the many booths in order, per-
| hitting himself to be swindled at
each, and making prodigal purchases
| of useless things, which he promptly
gave away.
One booth only he had not visited,
and that was the one where. for the
| amazing small sum of one dollar. you
could have your horoscope cast, your
past read and your future forecast by
"Mademoiselle Nazro, Matches Egyp-
tian Seer; First Appearance in Amer
ica'-if one were to believe the lurid
poster just outside of the flap of the
Graham children's lawn tent.
Gregory glanced at the tent in Ques-
ton and pulled somewhat faster at the
cigarette as If he were endeavoring to
tain reasons he had waited to have his
fortune told until the fortune teller
should be quite alone. Even as he
looked. two stout, middle-aged women.
accompanied by a prosperous-looking
man, came laughingly out Of the tent
and made their way toward the street.
Behind them mile. Nazro" stood in
the tents entrance looking across the
grounds.
Gregory tossed the cigarette aside.
got to his feet and took a long breath.
Then he stalked sedately to the for
tune teller's booth and removed his
hat in deferential salute.
Am I too late to consult the fut-
ure 2" he asked.
The young woman before him
smiled, rather YEARLY, but with a GER
tain well-simulated professional well
come. She was a tall, young woman,
with superb figure. Her blue eyes
| twinkled merrily. Her face was dyed
her lips were very red from the same
reason. From beneath the dark wig
that covered her head. a single lock
| of blonde hair strayed out rebelliously.
You are rather late" she said, but
perhaps we can manage your future,
or at least a part of 1t, before all the
lights go out. Will you please come
into the tent?
will you have it by the palm or the
cards?" she asked, as she seated her
self before a small table, gay with
bright red paper and tinsel.
THE cards, If you prease. I think
them much more reliable said he
gravely as he sat down opposite her.
She produced deck of cards and
pushed them toward him.
"Cut them, If you WILL" said she.
Gregory split the deck and the girl
turned the cards face up.
"Ahr" she murmured, as the deuce
Of hearts was displayed. you are in
love-very much in love"
Admitted" said he quickly.
He looked at her with such concen-
tration that her eyes fell. and in her
furry she dropped some of the cards.
Gregory picked them up and returned
them to the table.
For moment she manipulated the
deck; then she tossed onto the table
the Jack of diamonds.
you have a rival" said she, "a big.
light man. He is very rich" And she
laid the ten diamonds beside the Jack.
fright again." said Gregory. mile.
Nazro, your insight or the card, which,
ever it is, is positively uncanny. Now
tell me more about the lady, please.
Does she favor me or my rival?"
There was more manipulating Of the
deck, more cutting by Gregory. and
the girl looked keenly at card in her
hand.
(which does she seem to favor?"
Gregory asked. leaning forward.
"You," the girl said simply.
With a sudden swift movement
Gregory caught one of the girls hands
in his own. but she drew it away. not
without a certain hauteur.
'"This is only according to the cards,
please remember she said in low
voice.
"Oh." said Gregory contritely. For
give me. thought-that isl
"And according to the cards." said
fort to- cover her embarrassment, 1.-THE
lady whom you love is dark"
She pushed the queen OF clubs to- |
ward him.
For a long time Gregory looked at
her steadily. Then a hint of a smile |
curved the corners Of his mouth.
"Of course this is Az according to |
the cards." he suggested.
There was long pause.
Not wholly" the girl confessed, |
her face turned from him.
"To what. then, are we indebted for |
the rest of it?" he asked.
"Oh. toto intuition. and-and to
insight"
Gregory laughed outright 1t was a |
ringing. contagious laugh. He caught |
up the queen of clubs and scaled her /
far out onto the lawn.
Exit the dark lady" he said. |
There never was one. Tho girl IL
the girl who u everything to me u not