The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-11-27
THE EVENING Story

(By LittelI McClung.l

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Robert Ainsworth. who only three
months before had been initiated into
the Newlywed club was jealous-ac-
lively jealous-of his wife. And it
was all on account of a girl!
:, he came home from the office ear
Her than usual this afternoon,
slammed the door viciously. forcibly
lgnted cigar and wondered when.
In the name of domestic felicity. Mrs.
AlnsWorth would be home. In a little
while ne heard soft football in the
hallway. and then delightfully."- pretty
young woman entered the room.
Hello. Robert old fellow" she
said cheerily. Here waiting for lit
tie wife. are you?'
For answer her husband sprang up,
took her in his arms and kissed her
Ihen at arms length he gazed at her
admiringly. Yet when he spoke it
was In an injured tone.
where have you been, Frances
GEAR? 2. he questioned. mot out with
that Irving girl again, hope?''
A, a palned expression expires darkened Mrs.
out with that Irving girl. as you call
Florence" she confessed. But you'll
forgive me, won't you, Robert?" she
asked, stroking his dark hair-a habit
husband to submission. But, at that
moment, Robert Ainsworth was not
susceptible to her caresses
Frances, how can your" he pro-
tested why in the world do you
keep up this incessant friendship with
Florence Irving when you know I
don't like it at ALL
Mrs. Ainsworth was hurt now,
Robert, please don't talk like that"
she begged. What have you got
against Florence anyway? Why, you
hardly even know her.
I've only met her once, I think .
he admitted. But I have a grudge
against her-and a big one, too!''
Mrs. Ainsworth was startled "Why
Robert. what can that be?" she de-
Just this: my dear" her husband
explained. Florence Irving is actual
ly Turing you away from me. For the
last few weeks she has been taking
up more and more of your time. She
is affecting our happiness. dear; don't
you see that she is? Promise me you
will gradually cut her acquaintance"
1.-THE very ideal" declared Mrs.
Afnsworth, the color rising to her
cheeks. Don't you see, Robert. this
would be impossible; simply imposs-
fble. I can't see how you
But the rising teapot tempest was
quelled by the appearance of the
maid.
miss Irving's here to see you.
ma,am," she announced.
AoAiOW 4ACl 11SAl ILL., Sdlu MIS-.
Ainsworth. Then she turned to her
husband. Robert, for my sake" she
urged, "p1ease be nice to Florence.
She'll be here only a little while. You
know I am going up to mothers to-
morrow and if you are very unruly
might not come back,' And she
laughed nervously.
Before Robert could reply, Florence
Irving, breezy, handsome blonde,
swept into the room. ooh. I know
you ran off and left me, Frances. and
don't blame you Bit" she ex-
claimed, giving Robert a glance But
just had to see you about something
I forgot, so I stopped by. No inter-
ruption, I hope?"
Certainly not" Mrs Ainsworth as
husband; Robert, this is Miss Irving
But then I think you two met at a
dance once?"
Eyes, I believe we did," assented
Robert with sudden affability. ''Sit
down, Miss Irving, and make yourself
one of the family for WHILE He
arranged a comfortable chair
"Gracious me, he's doing lots better
than I hoped" thought Mrs. Aims
worth, all her apprehension gone.
''Well, to come to the point" said
Miss Irving, ST want you to postpone
your trip and go to the opera tomor-
row night. William and Kitty are go
ing, and I'm to be a sort of chaperon.
So don't say NO."
I'm awfully sorry, Florence" an
ready written mother that I'll arrive
tomorrow afternoon. 1 simply can't
disappoint her. If you WERE
BEG pardon" said Robert, inter-
rupting, "but if all you are looking
for, Miss Irving. is a companion, how
be pretty lonesome with Frances
away, and I should be only too glad
to make up the fourth corner of the
party If you will let me-
Mrs. Ainsworth recovered sufficient
1y from her establishment at her hus-
bands proposal to remark that such
an arrangement might be very nice
indeed
"Nice!" echoed Miss Irving "well,
1 should say so. It will be simply fine.
So We'll sit up and gossip about you,
Frances, while William and Kitty are
dividing attention between the music
and each other
"But there's a condition attached"
interposed Robert.
s.Name it," responded Miss Irving
''Just this-that you and the two
young folks shall be my guests at
little supper after the performance. 1
know of a pretty little restaurant
where we can spend the rest of the
evening very enjoyably."
''That settles itl'' cried Miss Irving,
enthusiastically. "Your offer is taken
up, sir. Well. this is a short visit.
Frances" she continued, preparing to
leave, "but really L must be going.
Some other time, maybe, I'll tap at
the door of this dovecote if I'm
asked"
you're always welcome" Robert
assured her heartily.
"Then good-by, Frances. dear. I do
hope you'll have a jolly trip" she sang
out as she departed.
When the door closed there was
mist in Mrs. Ainsworth's large dark
eyes, Robert" she said. 'I don't
think I'll go up to mothers after all;
I'll telegraph her 1 can't come"
1.-THE ideai' exclaimed her husband.
"Of course you're going, dear. The
country air for a couple of weeks will
do you lots of good. Why don't you
want to go?''
ooh. I don't know" responded Mrs