The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-19
THE EVENING STORY
AT the Parting of the ways.
(By Francis A. Corey.)

1 L
| Lying back in her big easy chair
with the red freight playing over her
jewels and laces. Mrs. Taylor Peyton
was picture of luxurious ease. Young.
beautiful, fabulously rich, the prizes Of
life had been showered lavishly upon
her. Lois Barton could not understand
why her proud face wore that look OF
weary discomfort.
| This six weeks visit with her city
cousin had given to Lois, herself, her
one taste of real luxury. 1t was all
very wonderful. She felt. sometimes,
| like a person transported to q land of
enchantment. She had enjoyed every
moment. But her visit was drawing
to close. Soon she must return to
the drudgery of the school room.
A flush sprang to her cheeks.
kindled by sudden thought. She.
too. could live in a beautiful house
with servants at her beck and call
buy her gowns at the big shops pat
| ronized by her cousin Virginia! Fate
| had thrown golden apple in her
old treadmill round. the uncongenial
| tasks, unless she chose to.
But-Ward Winthrop. Well. what
of him? 1t was two years since he
good-by. In all probability she would
never see him again. The surest cure
for her aching heart was to set up the
image of another in the shrine SO long
|
other side OF the dancing hre. was
looking her over approvingly.
my dear" she said. that simple
country girl shouldn't make herself
too smart at city functions. I wanted
you to look your best tonight Cor
don Vance will be at the reception. He
temperament, tribes turn the scale.
shall let him know that you return
home the last OF the week. think
he will come to the point before the
evening Is over"
"Oh, I hope not!" Lois exclaimed
with a sudden revulsion of feeling.
understand.
you have known what was coming.
Ever since the acquaintance began he
has been sending you flowers. taking
you to lunch and to ride. It's better
that everything should be settled be-
fore you CO."
But I'm not at all sure"
THAT you want to marry him Why
of course you'll marry him. He can
influence. It's a wonderful opportuni-
ty to come in the way of a country
school teacher"
Buff 1 do not love him.
Mrs. PSyton laughed scornfully.
"Lovei Oh, you little ninny; Nobody
marries for love nowadays. It's money
that counts"
Lois understood now what had
brought about Virginia's marriage with
the bald. elderly man she met occasion
ally at the dinner table.
You always lacked worldly wis
DOM Mrs. Peyton added with some
ssperity. But for my Intervention
you would have thrown yourself away
on Ward Winthrop two years ago-a
struggling artist without a dollar
Lois face became white. Instantly
she was on her feet.
virginia. she gasped. ST never I'M
derstood why Ward went without a
word. had felt so sure that he-he-
cared. You were visiting me at the
time remember. Did you-seEd him
away?"
''of course not, you little fool! How
can you think it?''
Lois leaned forward, trembling slight
ly, and looked straight into her cousins
guilty Sace. But before she could speak
one of the maids appeared to announce
the carriage, and she slipped thought
fully into her wraps.
Mrs. Vandyke'c parlors were filled to
OVERLOOKING with fashionably dressed
men and women. 1t was the usual
crush-music, flowers. ravishing toilets.
AS the newcomers were making this
slow round Of the rooms Virginia Pey-
ton dropped q sharp whisper into her
LOOK! There he isl He's coming
this way. This may be your last chance
rememoer!"
Gordon Vance paused beside them.
his handsome face deeply flushed. 1T
was watching for you,. Miss Barton"
he said.
Lois's eyes dropped under his ardent
gaze. She was at the parting of the
ways. The momentous question must
soon be answered, and the thought ter
rified her. There was cowardly inn
pulse to run aWay-eScape from 1T all.
But marriage with this man meant
30 nof
memories from her sore heart. Cor |
nee was cultivated, agreeable
she might love him in time. The pros |
pect of becoming his wife would have
dazzled most girls in her position. 1t |
would be madness to throw away this |
prize.
Let US find a quiet spot where we
can talk" he pleaded presently. ct
have something particular to say to |
you"
Louis gave a frightened gasp. Glanc-
ing around. as if for protection, she |
saw her cousin suddenly change color, /
stare right ahead with tense express
sion, then wheel about and come swift |
~ toward her
Virginia painted. please take
me home, Mr.. Vance Lois, get your
wraps and come quickly
But Lois suspicious had been
aroused by this sudden indisposition.
CHANGING curiously toward the upper
end of the long room she saw a tall,
distinguished looking man talking
with their hostess. 1t
was Ward Winthrop!
One long drawn, startled breath,
and the girls sweet lips came together
in a straight line. A dozen throng-
ing emotions all at once resolved them
selves into fixed determination. Vir-
ginia put out a OBTAINING hand, but
she shook 1t off.
81 mean to know the truth" she
said in a resolute voice.
"Hava YOU no pride-no shame -