The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-09-16
THE EVENING STORY
The Girl who Would. But Didn't.
(By E. M. Wickes.)

The Girl Who Would. But Didn't.
(By E. NJ. Wickes.)
Irene Havil would not have been dis
turbed if she had not sung at the vii
lage entertainment and unfortunately
met a third-class actor who. for the
lack of something better to say. told
her that if she cultivated her vocal
| powers she had a bright future be-
fore her as a print donna.
| The thespian disappeared the fol-
lowing day. but his careless talk left
her dreaming of operate tours through
America and Europe.
When the idea became rooted in her
brain no amount of argument could
convince her that she was not destin-
| ed to be a theatrical celebrity.
The result was that she returned
her engagement ring with note to
Clyde Grendon. her fiancee. informin g
him that the engagement was broken
and that she was going to New York
| to seek fame and fortune.
Clyde received her message on the
morning of the day set for their we'd
| ing and spent the ensuing two hours
scheming how to circumvent her
plan.
where she lived with her aunt and
uncle, and persuaded her to accom-
pany him for a walk to discuss the
matter.
Very little was saio after leaving
the house. from where they travelled
to the shore of lake that had been
the scene of many happy hours.
do you know" he began. as she
listlessly sat down on bench. that
you are about to take a step which
you will probably regret for the re-
mainder of your life?"
1T don't believe it." she answered,
without the semblance of a smile that
usually played around her mouth.
you just said that to make me
change my mind, but I shall not. 9th
er girls have succeeded, so why
shouldn't II"
80 they have" he admitted. "but
they have spent years in study under
the best masters. Even then 1t has
been a hard. uphill fight filled with
encouragement and disappointment"
She was silent for a moment as she
plucked the petals of rose and the
overhanging branches caressed her
chestnut hair.
''I don't expect my pathway to be
anticipate some hard knocks, but am
willing to endure them rather than
throw away a career and settle down
to married life"
Eyes, but you have not the slight
est idea with what you will have to
contend,'' he persisted "You will re-
quire years of training and will have
| to work very hard to pay for the same.
AS a novice you will wander from
manager to manager. only to be met
with smiles and promises that will
evaporate in the breeze that follows
you out the door. Like thousands Of
others, you will be forced into office
work as a means Of livelihood, as
you will be too proud to return and ad-
nit failure"
The girl sat with bowed head. SEEM
ingly drinking in every word.
Clyde produced a small plush box
containing the engagement ring, and,
holding it in his outstretched palm,
when I gave you this 1 thought it
sealed our happiness. But how little
you must have regarded it when the
silly babble of thoughtless stranger
could induce you to send it back and
renounce the love you once appeared
50 happy to possess
He paused for a while. affording
her an opportunity to reply. But as
she showed no inclination to do so he
resumed: IS
rs this wild dream of yours prefer
able to my love? Will anybody strive
more than have to make you happy?
Haven't I wealth and position to offer
you? And don't you know that when
you go you will leave me miserable?
Irene, can hardly believe that you
are serious. Tell me. sweetheart"
he pleaded, catching her hand, tell
me that you have changed your mind
and that you will be my bride to-
night"
She threw away the mutilated flow
err and slowly raised her eyes.
"CIyde," she spoke in tremulous
tone, ST know how dearly you love me,
and 1 appreciate the pains that you
have taken to make me happy; and.
although I am going away, it is not
because do not care for you, but
for the reason that I have my mind
set on a career. I'm awfuully sorry
that had to return the ring, but UNI
der the circumstances 1t was newt
able. Perhaps you will meet in time
a girl who will teach you to foget
me-
"But don't you he abruptly end
ed, hearing approaching footsteps.
Clyde released Irenes hand as a
ragged tramp with a stubby beard
hove in view. and. on coming abreast
of the lovers faced them and said:
Excuse me, pal, for butting in, but
can you help poor hungry man to get
something to eat? haven't tasted a
bite in two days"
''I am sorry. my good fellow" re-
turned Clyde. after searching his
pockets, but I haven't any change.
Here, take this he added. as if
struck with a sudden thought. offer
ing the box to the wanderer. II
haven't any further use for it and
you can probably sell it for tidy
sum-
The tramp cautiously opened the
box as if fearing a trick and when
his eyes fell upon the glittering stone
his head bobbed back with surprise
Gee. but this looks like the real
stuff" he exclaimed. Say. boss. do
this ?''
Yes" Clyde assured him with a
careless nod 1.-THE girl for whom it
was purchased doesn't want it, Meth