The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-01
The EVENING STORY
A New years Fantasy.
(By Philip Kean. )

The long line or people stretched
down the winding walk in front of
the White House and through the
gate and out into the street. On New
and shake hands with the president.
and it seemed as if half the world
had availed itself of the privilege.
Marcia Marks felt almost overpow-
cred by the thought of the honor that
was before her. Marcia had not yet
learned to shrug her shoulders at high
position and august officials. She had
been In Washington only three weeks.
That she was soon to have peep at
| the wonders of which she had heard
SO much seemed like a part of the
fairy lore which she had loved as a
child. She wished that there was
some one who might share her pleas
ure. But she had made 10 friends, so
she shifted from one foot to the other.
moving forward slightly as far up at
| the other end of the line people were
admitted through the magic door.
| It was very cold. but Marcia's heart
was warm. For the first time in her
life she was earning money, and she
was sending part of it home. Then,
too, she had new hat which was a
great cause for happiness. 1t was the
first really lovely hat that she had
ever possessed. but $50 a month
seemed such munif1cence that Marcia
had given way to temptation and had
bought the lovely plumed thing.
She did not dream that her exquisite
blonde beauty framed by the big hat
was attracting the attention not only
of the pedestrians but of the occu-
pants of the autos and carriages that
drove slowly in line toward the other
entrance, where privileged few were
Marcia Toasted her eyes on the pretty
gowns. and for the first time as she
stood there in the cold little bit of
envy entered her heart. Why should
mt she ride in luxurious comfort? She
had beauty and youth, and loved
good time.
But even as the thought entered.
she put 1t away. Wasn't she lucky
enough with her $50 month and her
new hat? And once more her face.
was bright and she held her head
high.
Then suddenly she gave a startled
glance from under the brim of her
hat. as the door of great motor car
opened and a voice said, won't you
get in here with me"
The woman who spoke was beautiful
with the beauty of old age. Under her
wide hat her hair was white, but she
held herself with grace and dignity.
"Oh," Marcia faltered, and the lady
said, quietly. Get in, my dear. viii
explain later"
So Marcia, followed by the eyes OF
the crowd, stepped into the wonderful
car, which went slowly up the drive
way.
Then the beautiful lady turned to her
with sparkling eyes. "Was your grand
| mother Martha Witherspoon?'' she de-
manded.
''Why-yes-"
The beautiful lady clapped her hands.
81 knew 1t the minute I laid my eyes
on you she said. Gas you stood there
with your head held high in that
naughty little way, and with your blue
eyes and your red-go1d hair-it was as
Hw---r Il - ~ IL - -
to me-"
Grandmother is the dearest thing"
Marcia said. land as pretty as ever"
81 lost track of her, the beautiful
| lady told her, when 1 went abroad
years ago. and when saw you wasn't
going to run the chance of not finding
you again-so made you get in, and
made you lose your place in the line"
''Oh, don't mind that" said Marcia
IT can go back to the end and watt
Indeed you WON'T said the beauti-
full lady. ST am going to take you right
| along with me to the blue room. I am
to stand behind the receiving line. and
you shall meet the president and go on
to the east room. and wait for me
there"
but I am not dressed for that"
Marcia demurred.
81 am going to play fairy godmother,
and put my wrap on you. Your gloves
are all right. and your hat. and you
you will be young lady of fashion,
Marcia protested, but for just one
moment the curtains of the closed
car. were drawn. as the wrap was
slipped from the fairy godmother's
shoulders and transferred to Mar
cia's more slender ones, and then the
crowd, looking on, saw two exqui-
sitely gowned women, side by side,
the younger one blushing beautifully
over her bouquet of violets and valley
lilies.
The rest was a dream to little Mar
cia-the entrance into the brilliantly
lighted rooms, the music, the rustic
of silken gowns, the presentation to
the president. She drew great
breath of delight, as she settled her
self finally in corner of the east
room.
But there was more to follow, for
in few moments the fairy god
mother sent the prince He was the
nephew of the beautiful lady and he
was to take care of Marcia.
And he did take care of her, most
gracfously, and he talked with her as
II she were princess instead of a
very shabby little girl, with her shah
biness covered by borrowed cloak.
aren't you warm % he asked her
once, and Marcia said, hurriedly, "Oh,
no." But when he said again. 81
think you'n better let me take your
wrap" she laughed, and confessed:
TITS your aunt's cloak, and I wish
you could see what a very shabby lit
tie suit I am wearing under it,
And the prince said the cloak
wasn't any prettier than the hat, and
that the hair under the hat was the
prettiest of all. and just then the
beautiful lady came along and asked
.'FIave you made friends with my boy.
Marcia -
81 think he is lovely" she said. and
blushed prettily
she was carried of to dinner with