The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-21
THE EVENING STORY

lBy Virginia Blair.l


lBy Virginia Blair.l
There had been no one at the station
to meet her. and she had started out,
pravely. to walk the two miles that lay
between the town and her country
home.
At nrst she steppedy lightly, uplifted
oy the freshness OF the wind that blew
from pale green meadows and brown
plowed fields. and revealing in the sweet
with bloom.
But the bag that she carried was
neavy, and after the first mile her steps
Jagged. When she reached the little
cemetery where the old headstones tilt
ed toward each other under the cedars.
she sat down on a bench by the gate
way and took or her hat.
There, know 1 couldn't make q
mistake about that head of hair" said
voice over the fence.
Charlotte turned quickly.
why, Jerry, Jerry" she cried, IT
don't think it's a bit nice of you to
begin right away about my hair"
We'll, it's such pretty hair" Jerry
informed her, as he came around to the
gate. Il don't see why shouldn't talk
Red hair" she told him, sis never
pretty"
yours isn't red," he insisted stoutly.
its coppery-gold and red
What's the matter at homer" she
demanded, ignoring the compliment;
no one came to meet me-"
de looked down at her solicitously.
Hasn't any one told your"
She turned pale.
mo. Is anybody sick?"
He shook his head.
Andrews won't wait any longer for
his money. He's going to foreclose the
mortgage, and your mother and father
drove over to your Uncle Bob's last
night to see II he could help out.
don't believe they knew you were COM
ing on this train. didn't, or I'd have
come down after you"
But Charlotte was not listening.
Andrews is going to foreclose," she
faltered; did he tell the reason?''
mo. Your father says he just wrote
that he couldn't wait any longer for
the interest-and-"
II know the reason" Charlotte stated,
with flashing eyes; "he wrote to me
last week and asked me to marry him,
Jerry"
The young man stared HE did"
Yes. he dared" she continued,
''he told me that he knew he was much
older than /, and that he hadn't much
education, but he had a big house and
horses and automobiles, and he knew
that he could make me happy, as I
was poor and teaching school, and my
family were in debt. OF course. he
didn't say it just that way. but he
"And-you refused?" The young
mans lips were set in a straight line.
"Of course. I don't love him, Jerry"
The boys face cleared. That's rea-
son enough, Charlotte. think IL
should give up If you married any one
else
A deep stain of red touched the girls
cheeks. but she went on, qi city.
Il don't know what we are going to
do. Jerry I have given father and
mother every cent / have earned by
teaching this year. but it has merely
paid the interest,"
took her hands. His chest heaved. IF
you'd only marry me. Charlotte" he
said.
But you can't. Jerry" she remind
ed him; you've got your own burden OF
family debt, and it wouldn't be right
for us to add to the worries Of our
parents, would it?''
But 1 love you" was Lis plea,
and for moment she chung to him.
II know she whispered. but we can
keep on loving-nothing shall come be-
tween our love-Jerry.''
After a little time she went on,
steadily.
IT thought of it as I walked along to-
day. 1t seemed to me that duty
stretched before me like a long white
road-a weary road-and yet somewhere
at the end of the road was home where
/ could rest and be loved. Perhaps that
will be the way with our lives, Jerry.
There will be a weary road to travel,
and love and happiness-if We are
patient, Jerry"
Dear heart" he whispered, and
smoothed her hair.
And after a time, he stood up in the
strength Of his youth.
'Rnf II don't n he Yoffanf - q
said, restlessly, "I want to build our
nest like the birds in the spring.
want to put you in it, and keep you
safe and warm"
. But you mustn't, Jerry"
so you say" Then with a sud-
den quick smile, he looked down at
her. Lets be happy for one day.
Charlotte. They don't expect you.
Come down to the lake and I'll row
you across to the lily beds"
IT can't" she protested. 81 must get
home, and comfort them If they are
there-and plan"
I'm going, too"
well, you may go with me and
carry my bag
And SO they began their journey
along the long white road together.
At the crossroads a big red motor
car passed them and stopped.
"Its Andrews" Jerry murmured as
they plodded on. land he's coming
back"
Miss Charlotte" called the man in
the car.
Charlotte turned.
Let me take you the rest of the
way in my car Andrews offered.
"No," she said, stiffly. I'D rather
walk"
The little fat man flushed.
LOOK here" he said, s"you-I wish
you'd tell your folks / amt going to
bother about that mortgage. I've been
feeling mean ever since I said I'd for
close. But 1 did it just after I got
your Letter.