The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-10-01
The EVENING STORY
A Pair of Pumps.
(By Littell McCiung.)

drenchtng Boston. But he had read
scarcely half a dozen paragraphs when
leveled at mass of auburn hair,
daintily coiffured, that showed above
the second seat in front.
"Jove!" he murmured, I'D know
that hair in Africai There's only one
head of 1t this side the pearly gates!"
In another moment the girl moved
slightly. displaying against the window
q clear, delicate profile. Then she
turned half around. and Dicks gaze
was diverted from the Incompatible
eyes that opened wide in wonderment
at sight of him.
He smiled. the eyes sparkled invit-
ingly, and with a bound he was out
of his section and two sections closer
both auburn hair and brown eyes.
Hello. Christine" he exclaimed.
This is surprise. May 1 ask
where are you going?'
She extended her hand in friendly
greeting.
cts just as much of a surprise for
me-seeing you. Where am 1 going?
All the way to Washington to visit an
old school chum- How far will have
the pleasure of your society,""
he answered. "1'm going to washing
ton. too-on business. of course-and
I'll be at your service till you arrive
in sight OF the capitol!''
ITO Washington she repeated.
well. I'm certainly overjoyed at see
ing you
The young man recoiled instructive
ly from the coquettish flash Of her
eyes.
I'm not so sure about that" he
ventured. "It was just a week ago
today, wasn't it, that you turned me
down with a chilly shrug?"
Her browns knitted in a puzzled
frown and she tried to look serious.
Come to think of It. I believe it
can tell" she continued Frightening.
what changes may come over the
heart of a maid in a week. If you
proposed again, who knows, 1 might
accept your
His expression was one of disap-
pointment, not untinged with resent
ment.
NOW, Christine. please don't lure
me into being foolish again." he
pleaded. You may rest assured that
more. The agony of once being re-
jected is sufficient experience for me-"
Don't talk like that, Dick" she
coaxed sweetly. ct know perfectly
we'll that you will propose again.
His eyes opened wide in surprise at
do you?'
Eyes"
"Sure?"
Dead sure. TIL wager my boots
you Wilt
They were tremendously smart
boots-if paper-weight pumps may be
called boots-he thought as he
glanced at them.
Then I'm afraid you'll go inta
Washington stocking-footed." he
laughed.
She laughed. too. as she switched
the subject Then he invited her into
the diner. and they had dinner to-
gether. When the porter came to
make up her berth, Dick was able to
assist in storing away grips, parasol
and other accessories.
Good night, Dick she called
cheerily as her head disappeared be-
tween the curtains. "In be out early
in the morning
"All right See that you are, and
we'll take breakfast together" he
called back
Next morning he was awakened by
vagrant beam of sunlight that broke
through a crack in the curtain and
across his pillow. He threw up the
shade and looked out. The train was
gliding out of the southern suburbs of
Baltimore at lively clip.
well, I've got plenty Of time" he
| thought. for it's an hour yet to Wash
ington."
He donned his clothes leisurely.
wondering If she were up. Then he
made his way to the dressing room.
and after shaving. started back to his
| section. Just as he passed her berth
| he heard his name called in anxious
| tones: "Dick, oh, Dicki'
He stopped.
"Dick'' urged the voice. come
closer. I've got something dreadful to
tell you!'
His heart thumped as he sided up
to the curtains. Her lips must have
| touched his ear almost, for he felt her
| breath on his cheek.
"Dick. my pumps are gone"
Though her tone was tragic. he
could hardly restrain a laugh.
Nonsense" he replied through the
slight aperture in the curtains 81
guess they're under the berth where
the porter put them after polishing
| them"
mo, they're not" she declared.
1.-THE porter gave them to me a mo-
ment ago and I was just admiring
them when they both slid out of the
window! Oh. what shall do?'
Try as he might, Dick couldn't
| keep back a chuckle.
well. I've certainly won that bet,
| Christine!' he said with conviction.
| THAT bet?" she repeated incredu-
| lousy. what on earth are you talk
ing about?"
| joined. ct said you'd go stocking
| footed into Washington before I pro-
| posed again.
An impatient rustic behind the cur
| tains followed this sally.
This is no occasion for clever re-
marks Dick she observed coldly.
| Maybe you don't realize it, but I'm
| in a very embarrassing predicament.
can't get out of my berth without
| any shoes!"
There was silence for a second.
| Then her tone was softer.
"Oh, Dick. what shall 1 do? Can't
| you help me %
'Sure. 1 might lend you a pair of
| mine" he suggested, the smile still
lurking on his lips. They're not so
| abnormally large"
L Ho hc,. 4 81, kol