The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-09-11
THE EVENING STORY
A VIII And A way.
(By Bella ManIates \

HIS ruling passion was strong in |
DEATH, remarked Jules Lorme whim- |
sical!y as he learned the contents of
his fathers will. from his fathers
lawyer. HE knew that I would not
comply with the terms OF SO atrocious
Will to marry a woman who could |
neither read nor write.'
minded Coyle.
A year later Jules appeared at the |
office of the family lawyer.
My lease Is up. Coyle,' he remind |
ed.
and think have found a way
by which you can fulfill all conditions
and still retain your freedom. You
can marry woman who can neither |
read nor write, and Immediately af- |
ter the ceremony you can go abroad. |
AT the expiration of two years she can
quietly secure divorce. You can spare
generous alimony. I have met a
good conscientious girl who is perfect
ly willing"
'Is she domestic p"
mo, believe she does needlework'
TITS odd in these days of schools
and truant officers that she escaped
the alphabet at least"
She says she never has had the op-
portunity nor the desire to learn.
will arrange all details for you"
After some further discussion Jules |
acceded to the proposition and at
dusk of the appointed day, he rang
for admission to Coyle's residence.
The lawyer met him in the hall and
ushered him into dimly lighted IL |
brary where minister and Henry |
Phillips, Jules next friend, were in
waiting. They all went into the read |
room adjoining. Near the doorway.
Jules paused and looked into the |
room, which was In total darkness.
With an odd sinking Of the heart, |
Jules took his position beside the |
shadowy form of a woman. He made
the response in quick jerky way, |
anxious to end the affair. The wo-
man at his side spoke in nearly in
auble tones
was pronounced. Jules returned to
the library and hastily signed some
papers gave him.
where is my wife?" He then
asked.
''she remained in the reading
ROOM
The young bridegroom hesitated.
Then resolutely he turned and went
back into the reading room His
eyes, now accustomed to the gloom,
discerned her at the end of the room.
She was sitting on a couch, her face
buried in the cushions. One arm
hung listlessly over the edge.
May 1 speak with your he asked
courteously.
She did not lift UP her head from
the pillow.
at wan to thank you" he contin-
ued "for the service you have render
ed me-
She murmured a disclaimer of his
thanks. He took her hand. 1t was
still cold and trembling. His grasp,
firm and sustaing, frightened"
"I am sorry" he said firmly, that
you will not see me, but want you to
promise me that if you ever need
help or advice you. will come to me-"
81 will" she said softly.
'Lorme." called the warning voice
of Coyle from the doorway.
IT must go now. Good night"
He went to his lodgings and tried
to smoke away the burden of his
thoughts. The shadowy OUTLINES of
the tall, dropping figure and the low
tones in which she had spoken
haunted him all night.
81 suppose her motive was as
mercenary as my own, SO don't need
to reproach myself.
The next day he was leaning
against the railing of the steamer
idly watching the scenes upon the
wharf, when he saw Phillips making
his way toward a young girl who was
daintily petite in form and lovely of
face and feature: She was accom-
"You must look after Miss Der
rington, Jules cautioned Phillips. as
he was taking leave of them all few
stateroom habit, She tells me-
Jules scarcely heard him. He was
looking into the wonderful eyes Of
the young girl. An hour later Mrs.
Marshall naQ LIS PLOp1AOSJ
regarding the stateroom, and Jules
had Joined Salome on deck a.
''You don't seem stranger TO me,
said she. "I have come to know you
through your books.
There followed long and
animated discussion of books and
authors until dinner time.
''She is a darling" Jules told him
self as he lay in his berth listening to I
the rhythmic measures of the en-
pfnas that night.
The voyage passed in a succession
of days of sparkling sunshine. Mrs.
Marshall remained perforce In soil
tary confinement and Jules was con-
stantiv with Salome, who grew fairly ,
radiant with happiness. He came to i
have an odd feeling at times. as If in
some pre- existence she had belonged
to him. Then his new fancy would !,
be succeeded by the mystic charm of
Early in the morning of the last
day of their voyage he came out on i
the after-deck- Salome was already I
there AS she turned to him he saw I
a shadow Of sadness in her eyes.
''This is our last day" she said in
Eyes, and I am sorry" he replied
Il wish you were coming with us 6
to the north OF England
He did not reply at once. Il
cit can't be-" he argued to his
troubled self 1T is only the hrst :
futtering fancy Of young girl-the
fancy for an older man and one who q
writes. 1 shall not see her after we
land; still in young romantic g1rfs G
heart, affection sometimes dourishes
in absence. I should tell her. 7
'.salome." the name slipped out !
'I should have told
you before. but I dis1iked to talk
about my personalities. am
a.