The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-09-04
THE EVENING STORY
Dads Tyannv.
(By Frank H. sweet.)

SoAe Without notlce and Helen, for
the first time in her pampered life.
was obliged to get supper. And Ned
was coming that very evening to have
talk with her father about some
thing.
In due time the meal was ready
all but the tea She packed the filled
platter and dishes away into the
warming oven, put about a cupful of
tea into the teapot Gather liked
strong tea), and though the water
hadn't reached the boiling point yet,
she really couldn't afford to wait, so
she poured 1t on, turned the flame of
the gas stove low and hurried up to
her rom to arrange her toilet suitably
for Ned's reception.
1t was a flushed and perturbed
Helen who faced father, Ned and the
didn't say much and didn't seem to
have any appetite; neither did the
boys. Ned just looked at her and
well, people in love are not expected
to care much about what they eat.
And then came the solemn moment
when father called her into the Ii
brary. where he and Ned had been
closeted for the last half hour.
looked at her and planted a prickly
kiss on her mouth The symptoms
were all favorable, and in great relief
Helen ; 1e, her arms around her
minute or two, in silent, loving en-
brace. It was a trying moment for
NED, looking ,1ls 9g on with hungry eyes;
girl he said. you s young peoP pS se tsra
to have arranged things to your entire
satisfaction, and I think it's about
time for me to put in word-several.
in fact, to atone for your mothers
absence. How do you propose to
live?''
Helen's eyes flew over to Ned, who
redeemed as he said. IT have already
ives" interrupted the practical
father. you have explained to me
what your prospects are, but your sal
airy at present is twenty five dollars a
week-am right?'
Helen raised her head proudly. 81
know all about that, dad"
Her father looked at her
chain in most tantalizingly cool
manner. you expect to keep house.
don't you?"
"Ye-e-s"
"How? ?"
"Why, I-I-haven't thought. L
suppose Wen have a servant" she
concluded 1amely.
"Have you any idea how much rent
you can afford to pay?"
Ned got up and walked to the
mantel, against which he leaned in
picturesque attitude. head proudly
erect
REALLY sir. you may safely leave
these personal matters to me-"
were highly amused. Then he drew
a pencil and notebook from his
pocket, and, regardless of high
tragedy tones and looks on the part
Of the young people, proceeded to
now and then for information or con-
firmation from his auditors.
The result was as follows:
Rent ....-....- .........$ ~
Servant .... ............ Is
Fares and incidentals ......... 5,
$11o
"You see. we've overstepped the
$110 limit already, with the barest
necessities at the lowest estimate"
he said.
''Now," he leaned back in his chair
and brought the tips of his fingers to-
gether, cycling the young folks SER
iously, "can you tell me how you pro-
pose to manage things?"
They had no ready reply for him,
and so, after pause, he went on:
"It looks hopeless, doesn't it? But I
think I can help you out"
Two pair Of anxious eyes were in
stantly turned upon him.
"Heien must learn how to keep
house"
to stagger the young people. Helen
a moment, and then laughed
joyously.
why. father of course. that's just
the thing. 1t won't take me long 10
learn. and Ned won't mind ff-if-Just
at FIRST"
IT should say not" broke in Ned,
and somewhat ambiguous
mot so fast. nv little chickadees."
1t was absurd, thought Helen, that
father should treat them like a pair d
young children. Ned, to1, |
seemed to feel annoyed. as he waited
politely for his aspired-to father-in-law
to proceed.
And what he said fell upon their as
tonished ears like the knell of doom.
Helen shall not marry you until she |
can cook and brew and bake and stew; |
and make her own hats and dresses, |
and
'Fatherw
MIR. Marsden"
The EXPLANATIONS came simultane-
ousIy and both young people rose TO !
their feet. Mr.. Marsden regarded them
with pretended surprise.
'I thought, Helen, that I understood |
you to say it wouldn't take long to
earn"
"But-but-" she stammered, at a
loss for words.
Helen can cook" Ned broke in
Didn't she cook the supper tonight?"
"And would you be willing 70 sit
Town to such a meal every night?"
"I would, with Helen" replied that
ash young man promptly, and was in
SANITY rewarded by a luminous optica'
message from his adored one.
Again father chuckled. She had never
known him to be quite so provoking,
thought Helen, and wished devoutiy
hat her indulgent mother were at
lone.
We'll we will not argue the matter
INV further" said Mr. Marsden.
And with that they had to be conteI'I.
Two whole years passed-years filed
With fretful but hopeful waiting for
Ned and Helen. II shall think your