The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-12-29
The EVENING STORY
Ways and Wiles.
(By Belle Maniates.)

1 e~->~~A~sSS~SsS
In her girlhood Mrs. Castles had
been known as Mistress Mary. quite
contrary" and her dominant charac-
teristic was alluded to as winsome
wflfullness. but in later years it was
called downright stubbornness and
worked havoc among her friends and
family. Her son John was the only
person who knew how to win her CO.
operation in any scheme.
Mother he said suddenly one day,
/ don't you think it abominable for a
woman to place a young girl in an
embarrassing position with malice
aforethought?'
"Why--what do you mean. John ?"
mother.
.oh. was thinking of a CONVEX
bert and a friend of hers"
| What was it. John?"
why, you see Ned Gilbert has some
friends here in the city. the Alexan-
GERS. who are very nice people, but not
rate, she won't receive them nor call
upon them. They have a girl visiting
tnem who lives in small western
town. Ned has been rather nice to
ner and overheard some woman
warning Ned's mother Of the conse-
| quences of his seeing SO much of
pretty, attractive girl. She smiled sar-
cast1cally and said she would know
now to be diplomatic in such q case.
She went on to say that she should
put the girl at a disadvantage by in
vtt1ng her to a house party in a couple
OF weeks; that as she would be entirely
society Ned would be ashamed of her
awkward mistakes and contrast her
| clothes and manners with those of the
people he is accustomed to mingle
with, and then his eyes would be
opened"
What a contemptible trick!" was
the indignant comment cit sounds
just like Mrs Gilbert. Have you seen
the girl John 20
Eyes; was at the theater the other
night and Ned took me to the Alex
ander box and introduced me. After
ward he took me with him to call. She
is a very beautiful girl. refined. Gull
tured and even accomplished. Her
frocks are simple and inexpensive, I
admit; but in good taste and STYLE
"Then Mrs. Gilbert will be foiled in
her scheme. The girl will appear at
| an advantage after ALL
Maybe replied John doubtfully.
still, things might occur to make her
i'll at ease. I wonder-you don't i'm
agine Mrs. Gilbert would be equal to
making awkward situations for the
girl deliberately, do Pr
Yes; of course she would She
would do anything to gain her ends.
have half notion to help poor Ned
and the girl out. What is her name
| and where is she from ?'
Virginia Orme and Enderby, Wis
consin, is her home. believe
| why, went to school with a girl
whose name was Virginia and who
| married a man named Orme. She
was in Wisconsin, too. I wonder il
this is her daughter
I'll tell Ned to ask her, if you
| like, was the careless rejoinder.-
No; I'll go and call upon her my
self: I have thought for long time
Mrs. Gilbert is altogether too exclu-
! sive-snobbish, call it, F
John took up the paper languidly
and his mother proceeded to put her
from her visit excited and elated.
'She is the daughter of my old
school friend, and she's a charming
girl. She told me that Mrs. Gilbert
had asked her to go to the Moors to
a house party in two weeks, but she
wasn't sure that she could accept
saw that she was little nervous at
the thought of going among so many
strangers, and SO II hope you won't
be displeased John-invited her here
to stay until we go to the Moors"
"Oh," said John, 81 don't know that
I mind, but am afraid you will be
bored
mo. indeed. I will not, and she
will meet most of the party before
she goes to the Moors and will not
feel so strange I'd like to see Mrs.
Gilbert attempt to put my guest at q
disadvantage. I will be checkmate
for her"
And godsend to Ned. He won't
go to the Moors until we do, I'm
thinking
The following day Virginia arrived.
She was tall. slender girl with dark
eyes. girlish manner and a charm
to her mothers old school friend
Ned dropped in frequently, but
presently Mrs Castles began to view
his coming with disfavor.
Virginia is far superior to him, for
all his wealth." she protested. IT
should be proud to own her as my
own daughter 1n-law," with a signif-
cant glance at ner impervious son.
IT would not cut Ned out. He is too
good a friend,'' was his laughing
reply.
.'They are not engaged She doesn't
care at all for him.
What makes you think SOP
st asked her, and she admitted that
she didn't care for him.
Moors. maybe she will change her
mind"
"she isn't the kind to be tempted by
such things John, you are coldblood-
ed and lacking in Judgment if you
John laughed and left the room
The next day he accompanied his
mother Virginia and Ned to the Moors
To Mrs. Castles vexation Ned took
Virginia in to dinner.
s'She made as good an impression
as any girl here" said Mrs. Castles to
her son when he Joined Fher in the
drawing room. 81 could see Mrs. Gill
bert's surprise. She was really very
gracious to her. Oh, John. don't let
Ned win her? I've always longed for
a daughter just like her.
Mother he said slowly, 1--WE been
thinking over what you said the other
day.
ssYes?" she interrupted eagerly
II think you are right. I shall try