The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-28
THE EVENING STORY
Mrs. Hanson's Presentment.
(By Emma sanderson.)

"What makes you bake SO much at
once" asked James Hanson OF his
at the array of pies cookies and crul-
lers which gave testimony of her
mornings work.
1t was some little time before Mrs.
Hanson answered; she seemed to be
considering whether she would say
what was in her mind.
You will need them all during the
next few days, James, she announced
finally. 'tFor-I am going hence to-
night"
Going hence!" MI Hanson repeat
ed. What in the world do you mean
Just what I say. James" Mrs.
Hanson replied with convincing final
ity. I know that tonight Will De
my last one so 1 have things already
to leave. There won't be any too much
on hand with all the relatives coming.
You know what an appetite Henry
Benedict always has"
Mary" said Mr.. Hanson coming
nearer to his wife and looking crit1-
caly at her. do you feel cold or in a
NO, not Bit the answer came
calmly
Hot them"
mo, not hot either. feel remark
ably well considering what is before
me tonight. 1 have the bedrooms
ready. too" she added, with satisfac-
ton. Il have made up bed in the
east room; I thought it would do well
enough for Henry"
MARY, Maryi What ails you?"
broke in Mr.. Hanson, now thoroughly
aroused to the awfulness of the occa-
sion and with long lost look of ten
derness creeping over his grim face.
! ''Do you mean to say that you really
believe that you are going TOTO die
tonight?"
Certainly responded Mrs. Han
son, 81 know it,
md sit at NT
while I go after DR.. Jones; he'll reason
you out Of this and tell you what
wrong idea you have in your mind.
Mr. Hanson made himself ready in
haste, noticing meanwhile the ar OF
pre- paration that the whole house pre-
scented. Upstairs on the pest dresser
stood huge bouquet of sweet peas OF
Marys own raising which breathed
out a welcoming fragrance The en-
tire effect sent his heart to his throat
and he fastened out with anxiety on
his face.
He was gone only a few minutes,
The doctor isn't in. nor won't he
until evening"" he announced tren-
blingly How are you feeling now
Mary?''
ITS just as well he wasn't there.
James" his wife answered cheerfully.
you know I'm not going until tonight
anyway"
ting out for a ride? It's beautiful
day and it might do you good" Mr.
Hanson suggested, at his wits end to
know what to do next
why, I think that would be very
pleasant. We might as well make the
most of the time-and l haven't been
beyond Main street in more than Two
Once more Mr. Hanson hurried out.
this time to return with a comfort
able vehicle. Then followed the task
Of DoIn ready.
fulfilled dutifully.
Your bonnet doesn't look very well
and your coat isn't what it ought to |
be- you'd better get some new things
little with his voice full of mo- |
mentary hope that Marys strange
fancy was passing even now as quick /
" as it had come. Not so, however
ssrThe hat and coat are we'll enough |
for one more wearing" Mary answer
ed, significantly.
Carefully Mr.. Hanson lifted his wife !
into the carriage to take the ride I'M
der these most unusual circumstances
Wen go first and hunt up Han
nah and see if she will come back to
work. he proposed Times are going
to be better now" he added lamely-
Mrs Hanson smiled responsibility at
the better prospect for the world in
general, but conveyed the impression
that times good or bad, could never
again affect her personally
A loud she said, Il think myself that
Hannah would do as we'll for you as
any one, she knows the ways of the
house and is honest and faithful"
After they had satisfactorily accom-
plished this domestic errand the ride
without further incident.
while Mr.. Hanson furtively watched
the quiet woman at his side. It was
dusk when they reached home and Mr.
Hanson, with increasing fear, assisted
Mary into the house, then left her
gain long enough to return the horse
10 the stable and leave word for Dr.
Jones to come to the Hanson house
hat evening and be prepared to stay
All night The subject Of supper was
aot preached. Mr.. Hanson made lights
which instead of cheering only reveal
I'd those dreadful preparations every
where evident
1octor came, then James recited the
acts of the case and told of the fate
,ul end predicted by Mary. DR.. Jones
ooIed puzzled and thoughtful.
Mary lay quietly and comfortably
n her bed, but Mr.. Hanson was now
IN the verge of collapse and needed
constant reassuring, which the doctor ,
supplied with a patience acquired
through years of experience.
Slowly the hours dragged by.
1.-The night is not over yet" Mary
would warn them occasionally, and the
lock licked on
Finally James detected the first ray {
Il light in the eastern horizon
Mary he cried joyfuIly. 1.-The :
light is over and you are still herei"
why, so I ami in apparent sur ;
rise at was such a strange idea g
hat I had, James; it seemed to pos a