The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-08-05
THE EVENING STORY
Tangled Romance.
(By Francis a. Corey }

GFdndn letter went to the wrong
one; and of course it was one OF
those letters that only one pair of
eyes-the ones for whose delectation
it had been written-should have
looked upon.
Dear old friend" it said Il have
come back from the west after
twenty years. For long time I have
felt strongly the drawing of the old
tles-so strongly 1 could no longer
resist l shall give myself the pleas
sure of calling upon you this after
noon at four. JOHN GRAHAM"
Margaret sighed involuntarily as
she refolded the Ietter-sighed be-
cause it had not been intended for
herself. 1t was easy to read between
the lines Why was not she the
happy woman to whom an old sweet
heart had come back?
She was comparatively a newcomer
in Roxboro, and had never heard of
John Graham. His straightforward
letter pleased and interested her. She
felt sure he was just the sort of per-
son she would have liked for a friend.
"Ill take 1t to the Margaret Bur-
ton to whom it belongs she said,
swallowing hard. How surprised she
will bel 1 wonder-if she-carcd!
Perhaps that is why she never
married"
Margaret took down her hat and
i
was half-Dast three and Miss Burton
lived at the other end os the village.
Why take the long walk in the af-
ternoon heat? The fact that the let
ter had gone astray was no sign that
the writer would do the same. Miss
Burton would simply be taken I'M
aWares.
A minute later Margaret was in her
bedroom. hurriedly DOMINIC a blue
and-white-sprigged muslin, her most
ha1 i've I'D CHI MT
out on the front porch and seated
herself in the low rocker that was her
faVorite retreat.
Presently the gate changed. Peer
ing excitedIy through the vines she
saw a middle-aged man with ruddy
cheeks coming up the path.
John Graham, of course! And all
at once she knew she had been
secretly hoping he would come.
Pausing at the steps, he asked
courteously with uplifted hat:
Does Margaret Burton live here -
THAT is my name" she replied;
and, flushing. held out his letter
This came a little while ago. There
for the Margaret Burton who lives in
the big white house on the DiXville
road. Our letters often get mixed.
Im-Im-sorry."
The man looked at her squarely for
the first time, a twinkle in his fine
gray eyes. He even laughed a little.
Il thought strange of it when the no.
tel porter sent me here. There was but
one Margaret Burton in my DAY. One
would hardly expect to find two of
name in the same village"
This place was left to me five years
ago by my uncle Silas Spear"
'I remember him well. I used to steal
apples from that tree in the corner of
the fence" His smiling eyes held hers
for a moment May 1 sit down
please? I've had a hot. dusty walk"
Margaret set forward chair and
brought a glass of water from the
an ease and cordiality foreign to New
England Soon, greatly to her surprise,
she found herself talking to him with
the freedom of en- old acquaintance.
Not a word was said about another
Miss Burton he presently remarked.
A cloud suddenly darkened the blue
of Margaret's sky. I am so sorry
about the mistake" she faltered.
His mellow laugh rang out. He was
evidently enjoying the situation.
Are you? Well, I've noticed that
things usually happen just about
right A queer expression crossed his
face DO you believe in fate?' lie
asked abruptly.
'Oh. I don't know" Her face famed
again at the strange question. She :elt
guilty and ashamed. as if she had done
something wrong. But she did not re-
sent his searching look. There was
the man. Why had he come into he"
life since he was to go so quickly out
of it? She owed it to her namesake,
and to herself, to speed him on his
way.
Your Miss Burton's house is in plain
sight from the gate" she said, rising
hastily. If you are rested, you may
wish to go at once
For a moment John Graham hest
tated. The porch was cool and invit-
ing. He followed her down the fragrant
path so deep in thought he handy
heard her simple directions. or noted
the house she pointed out.
A sharp exclamation as a smart car
riage turned the street corner. sudden
ly recalled him to himself.
There's Miss Burton now!' Mar
garet caught her breath. You were
asking if I believed in Fate I know
now! Yes. do believe in it."
He shot her a quizzical glance as he
slipped through the gate. The carriage
was now very near. Miss Burtons
appearance on the scene was
not so surprising as one might be led
to think. a flying rumOr of her old
lovers return to his native village had
come to her ears She had set out fo~
the sole purpose of falling in with Kim.
Emotions smouldered in her heart that
could easily be famed into flame.
John Graham! Is it possible!' she
exclaimed in well-acted establishment. |
and the carriage came to an abrupt
halt.
Crumpling into his pocket the letter
which was never to reach its righttul
destination. Johr- strobe forward with
extended hand.
so you have not forgotten me, Mar
saret?"
"Forgotten you?" she echoed re-
of course not. This is a |
delightful surprise. Won't you get in |
With me?'' sweeping back The pillows OF
Ter shimmerirg gown to make room at
ier side. 'tI want to hear all about
ou."
He climbed 10 the vacant place, and |
he carriage rolled down the street. |
Hiss Rartcn's only recognition If Mar |
% ,-n+ lid h.a.,rn e1trhf nrc.nir1e. If her |