The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1909-02-10
THE
LOST SCOOP
BY Grace d. Thompson.

A career or nuSDanu-u was an
enormous question for such slim
slip of girl to answer, but she had
already decided it a full two hours
ago, and was now only amusing her
self by playing the arguments on eth
er against each other, to see how Nor
ton would win every time.
Kate Trent, this yellow-haired, i'm
pulsiye maid, was only sophomore in
a great Western university, and far
too young to be choosing either hus-
band CT career, but, having no mother
or other living relative, aside from
chemistry engrossed father, an under
professor in the science department
had taught her knowledge beyond her
years.
How well she remembered, during
her freshman year, the first little sto-
ries she had contributed anonymously
to the various college publications;
her joy at seeing her own fancies in
print, then her bolder ventures in the
city papers, till, at the beginning of
this year, she had been asked to write
a daily column under the monde
plume of "Violet" for the Herald. She
made no confidants, and no one sus-
pected her as being the author of those
witty college notes.
Just before Christmas began to ap-
pear sketches of much the same char
acter in a big rival daily, the Tribune,
under the name Mac. Then such a
competition as there was between the
two unknown correspondents for
news! Kate didn't know the sex of
her opponent, but every indication led
her to believe it was girl.
These minor triumphs had led her
70 think seriously of taking up jour-
nalism as profession.
But the advent of Morton Cramer, a
tall senior, soon after the winter holi-
days had changed all this. Though
she would not own It openly, there
was a new ruler who had no tantaliz-
ing dimples and wore no frills, but she
knew he was king, she was now no
more than subject, and after the man.
ner of all that's feminine, having
found her master, she proceeded to
worship.
She had not even mentioned the
subject of journalism while with Nor
ton, for fear Of betraying herself,
knowing, instinctively that he would
be displeased, so had kept her two alb
sorbing interests wholly separate, but
this afternoon circumstances had
drawn them together and one must
triumph.
The noon mail had brought letter
Offering Morton fine Government po-
sition in Manila, which must be filled
Immediately after commencement, on
ly month away. 1t was an unex-
pected turn of affairs, and made Kate
catch her breath quickly. She had
never thought that life would be sep
Rrated from Morton, but his next state
ment, was much greater surprise.
II will get license and tomorrow
afternoon We will drive over to Pres
ton, where | have a friend who will
marry US and ask no questions"
Marry us!" Kate gasped.
why yes; is it anything unusual
for lovers to be married? That will
give you month to get ready to go
away"
"Your father would refuse to let you
leave college before you graduate if
you wait to ask him. and in his way
he can't help it,"
When his plans had been carefully
demonstrated to her, Kate had finally
agreed and was now waiting in trem-
bic of excitement for the morrow Her
father, always so busy with his re-
searches that she hardly knew him,
had gone out of the city for few
days, so there could be no stumbling
block in the way, and tomorrow she
was to be Mort's wife.
She felt that she could not sleep,
xut in spite of her excitement was be-
ginning to doze, when, suddenly, she
seemed to hear newsboys calling.
Special! Special! Kittie Trent, only
laughter of Professor Trent, married
Iecretly to Morton Cramer!"
In an instant she was thoroughly
jwake again. Wouldn't that make a
great scoop? Why couldn't she write
1t up, sign it 'Violet," and If anyone
suspected who she was that would
surely throw him off the track again.
In the morning she wrote out her
story that it might be sent in as soon
as she returned from Preston, leaving
space at the end for any little Incl.
dent of the journey. If she was ex.
cited at knowing this was her wedding
day, she was doubly SO at the idea of
her triumph over her opponent.
Although she went TO no classes the
day passed very quickly They drove
to.Preston and Kittie Trent came back
Kitty Cramer.
1t was just dusk when they returned.
and Morton went to his own home.
promising to come back later in the
evening. Left alone, she began to
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