The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-04-25
THE EVENING STORY
Much Ado About Mary.
(By Temple Bailey.)

(By Temple Ba1ley.)
The whole family was in a ferment
about Mary. They took sides, headed
by father and mother. In fathers camp
were the boys, while the girls support
ed mother.
Mary was the youngest child in a
family of seven. She had just come
home from college and her future was
before her. Father and the boys wish
ed to have her go abroad, mother
and the girls held out for society.
She needs quieting down." Ethelinda
said Il saw her yesterday romping on
the tennis court with that tow-headed
youngster from the hotel
Mason, jr., matched her with the
statement, That's why she ought to
go abroad, to get rid of that tow-head.
Mary is beauty and she ought to do
the family credit when she marries.''
When who marries?" said voice
from the door.
There was a chorus of ''ohs'' as they
all turned to look at her. She wore a
white linen suit and a scarlet coat. Her
fair hair was tied with a black ribbon
and a little three-cornered hat set
jauntily on her head.
Who's going to get married she
asked 40 she came forward.
They began to talk of other things
l-urriedly. 1t would never do for Mary
to know they were discussing her. But
drifted back gradually to the original
topic.
when you go abroad -" her father
began and stopped.
Mary looked at him, startled. Am
going abroad - she demanded.
Before her father could answer, her
mother interposed, IT don't like the
idea of your travelling now. Wouldn't
you rather stay here and see something
of society?''
Mary shook her head. st don't like
society,"" she said.
Father and the boys smiled. ''Thcn
you will go abroad " they demaded
breathlessly.
ance. II don't want to do anything
she said, but stay right here and have
a good time"
The family exchanged glances. That
was exactly what they did not want
Mary to do. The tow-headed young
man from the hotel was entirely too
much in evidence. And they had am
billions for Mary.
'It seems such a pity mother said
when Mary had gone off with father
and the boys, that Mary has no world
ly wiseness. She might marry any
body"
were not beautiful, and whose matri-
monial chances were limited, nodded
eager assent. They were all fond of
Mary and they all wanted her to do
we'll What was the use of having a
beauty in the family If she did not live |
Meantime, Mary was again playing |
tennis with the tow-headed young man. |
She liked him very much. He had kind |
eyes and a pleasant manner. Mary was |
not sure whether she loved him, but |
she thought it would not be hard to 10 |
so. Anyhow, she did not want to so |
abroad or into society, for it seemed L"
her that these things might separate I
her from the toW-headed young man.
She was sure that he was poor, for he |
dressed very simply and never talked
IF having things. Mary'S own family
always talked of having things: They
made the most of their little income. |
Nary often wished that there were
more lamb chops and less silver plate. |
She had healthy appetite which de-
handed plenty of bread and butter and
ess formal service.
Therefore, she was pleased, when
lfter an exciting game, the tow-headed
1oung man suggested that they take
ca at an adjacent inn. Tea at that inn
dways meant plenty of French
PASTRIES, and Mary had a little girls
Owe for sweets.
While they drank their tea, the tow
leaded young man asked Mary 20
marry him and Mary said Eyes" He
lad such kind eyes and such a pleas
mt manner she said to herself again,
'ut she knew that was not the only
eason she cared. Some deeper instinct
old her that she had found her mate.
vas going to marry the tow-headed young
nan. They stared at her in dismay.
But you are going abroad said
ather; and the boys echoed. You are
Il want you to see something of So
iety,'' mother walled. and the girls
horuSed, Society after her. The final
ecision was no! Mary, in tears, said she
would marry no other man. Father and
he boys and mother and the girls agreed
hat either going abroad or going into
ociety would cure Mary.
At last Mary. very white and still, said.
I love him. You want me to marry a
ich man. But I shall be unhappy. Do
on want me to be unhappy
They looked at her, the beloved of all .
heir hearts. And suddenly father melted.
lie held out his arms to Mary, and she
an to him and hid her face against his I
ho ulder. Then mother gave in, and after
lother, the boys and the girls. .
She shall marry whom she pleases,"
hey said, as Mary. sobbed;. Wasn't Mary
he youngest of the family. and hadn't
hey always let her have her own way? | 6
0w-headed young man called and was
sceived none too cordially. They wanted
larry to be hapyp, but the tow-headed t
Dung man had not fulfilled their am 5
itionS.
When he had stated his love for Mary
e gave a general invitation: why can't c
on all come over and spend the summer {
18th me?" he asked
.Spend-where?'' they asked in a be-
ildered chorus.
1t developed that the young man had
country place In England; he had a s
lateau In France. q castle in Spain and '