The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-05-15

in her music room, where harp and a
piano were the slaves of her skilled
How beautifully you play" the girls ex-
claimed 'How Bob would love to hear
you; he loves music
ed. 4oenii ASA =
Yes they chorused. =.
Perhaps, JacQuelin suggested tiruidiy
ing.
Perhaps" said Betty doubtfully.
When at last 1t was time for them to go,
Come and bring your brother Some
evening, and we'll have music
They repeated the invitation to Bob
that night.
She's very sweet" Betty said.
but she's rich was Bobs ultimatum,
ana m poor 1t is all right for you
girls, but she doesn't want me hanging
So they made his excuses. and after
that the girls went back and forth bring
ing into Jacquefins life much that was
Joyous and helpful; and one night they
invited her over to the little brown house.
I've always wanted to come she said
as she sat in front Of the big stove in
the living room and helped them pop corn
and pull taffy. You seemed to have such
good times. and was so lonely"
From corner Of the room Bob watched
her. He had felt almost resentfuI at the
intrusion of this wealthy woman into
their poverty-stricken circle. Yet now his
heart was melted in him as he saw her
wtstful face and appealing manner.
Gradually he began to talk to her, and
then 1T seemed as if there was no one
else in the room. He monopolized her
until Betty grew jealous.
Gracious" she said that night after
their guest had left II thought you didn't
like her, Bob"
ST think she is lovely" said Bob with
queer catch in his voice.
Bob had fallen in love with her hope
And Jacouelfn? No one knew what
went on in her little wise head. But one
day, after month in which Bob had.
with hopeless eyes, she said to him
abruptly:
You know Tn not rich.''
He had been listening to her playing,
and as he leaned on the piano he looked
at her through the rose-red light of the
candles.
'What?" he stammered.
Pia not fp 5e repested
The four girls were not there. Bob had
stolen away from them to have one even
had told himself 1t must be his last
evening. He, a poor man, had no right
to Hnger near her.
And now. she had made this astounding
statement.
ct know she went on. that you have
thought me a rich woman. But the mon
ey is all my uncle's and he cannot leave
1t to me. for it comes from another side
taken care Of while he lives, and he is
an old man; when he dies shall be
alone"
''And you have told me this Bob said
in a trembling voice. why have you
told me thiS?''
Her fingers dropped from the keys. and
she looked up at him. You know why"
sch said.
The next morning Bob made wonder
full announcement to his sisters. '"I am
going to marry Jacquelin.' he said.
Thew stared at him
but she is rich Betty exclaimed.
'sHow did you dare ask her, Bob7"
Bob evaded the question. He was not
sure that he had asked her. 1t had all
come upon him so suddenly, but he knew
he was supremely happy.
He told them something OF what she
had said to him.
''She isn't rich, and she's lonely, and as
soon as she is better and can get the
things made that women seem to think
they must have, she is going to marry
me- girls, and Wen live happy ever after
in the Little Brown House. "-Copyright-
ed 1911 by Associated Literary PresS.)