The Topeka state journal., 1911-09-28
THE EVENING STORY

(By IzoIa Forester )

here for three weeks" Marjorie de-
clared plaintively. She put down the
letter from Betty with a heavy sigh.
1T is surely all that mother or Betty
can expect. She's been away to col
lege, you know, Wally, and I've missed
seeing her for two years But 1 know
from her letters that she's awfully
strong and athletic. and her hair al
ways was rather red. Really. Wally.
I do think you might pay attention
when it's so important"
Wallace laughed, and shook his
head.
when it comes to marrying off Bet
or managing BIT. wash my brotherly
hands of the job. also my conscience.
If you will have Bet for a sister. kid
die you'll have to stand for it,"
But, Wally, 1 know she'll-she'll II
smother me. She'll simply absorb all
my vitality in week Who can 1 get
for her? ?"
You mean as a sort of physical ex-
erciser for Bet. Somebody to trot her
around daily, ride, golf. walk with her,
take up Bets surplus energy so she
won't exhaust yours"
''Oh, Wally, darling. that's it ex-
actIy," breathed Marjorie thankfully.
Wallace bent down to kiss the pretty
upturned face. They had been mar
ried only five months. so the honey
moon was still visible in the western
sky.
of who might fall in love with a girl
of Bets type. athletic and breezy, you
understand-Rex Bretherton. He's
just returned from Panama. He hates
society and is a child of nature; hon
estly, Marjorie. We're old classmates,
and 1 haven't seen old Rex in seven
ral1 irf ,fsr7f
work around the canal and concessions
in the republics, and cut the old New
York crowd dead. Worth half a mill
lion and more, too. 1 think he would
like Bet.
Marjorie ruminated, her gray eyes
dear" she said fervently Bet will
be here Wednesday"
by way of New York, and up by
boa? ?"
Marjorie nodded. trying to follow his
thoughts.
II am too busy to meet her Wednes-
day. I'll phone Rex to help me out
like a good fellow. How's that?"
''Wally, I never dreamed that you
were a diplomatist said Marjorie.
gayly. maybe they'll fall in love and
elope on the way up"
II shouldn't be surprised at any
thing Bet did. Poor old Rex. Don't
you dare give me away. He would
never forgive me-
Marjorie laughed and hurried away
to write Betty.
It was nearly 10 when Betty arrived
at the Grand Central station. She
walked swiftly down the platform,
looking for her brother-in-law's round
boyish face to welcome her. A touch
on her arm startled her. just as she
was about to start along the con-
course. She turned and faced Rex
Bretherton. A change came over Betty
instantly. In that brief moment she
seemed to grow taller.
And all unconsciously Rex beamed
at her in high approval Betty's wide
gray eyes. Bets heavy chestnut curls.
Bets girlish air of splendid vitality
and buoyancy, combined with the un-
touch of the thoroughbred
that clung to her, all swept her over
board on the moment.
You're Miss Rossmore, aren't you?"
he asked. II am sent to meet you in
Wally's place. and see that you get the
boat for Neponsett all right. He's
rushed to death, and awfully sorry.
You won't mind though, will your"
She ignored the eagerness in his
tone. Haven't you met me before? 20
she asked pointedly.
IT only wish I could say yes" ex-
claimed Rex, bluntly, his eyes betray
ing all the interest he felt.
Her straight brows drew together
"Oh, but I remember you. Mr.
I never forget faces,
you perfectly, distinctly. al
hough"-slowly, cruelly-"we were
never introduced
Rex cheerfully overlooked the slight.
and piloted her out to his waiting car
1eftly. But it was a most uneventful
run to the pier. From that first mo-
ment Bet made it plainly evident that
her previous impression of Mr.. Breth-
srton absolutely precluded further ac-
1uaintance.
She was altogether on the defense, |
almost amusedly so. Rex saw her to
ner stateroom, and waited for a last
sign of relenting.
''Er-Wallys asked me UP for the
weekend to his place"
Betty stared lndlHerently beyond
him at the passing people in the cabin. |
I'll come if you won't mind.
know you'll forgive me for saying So |
put I've been away from human So
siety so long I'm afraid I've turned l
bar rbarian."
"Oh. I know that flashed back
Betty unsparingly-
Rex eyed her anxiously. What have |
you got against me ?" he demanded |
oluntly, the color in his face deepen /
ng. Il swear 1 never saw you before /
oday. Don't you suppose l would re- Il
member you If 1 had %
Il did not say that you had met me,
said enembered you"
But, Miss Betty
Good by" said Betty distinctly and |
into her stateroom- He heard
he click of the lock bit his lip, and
vent ashore. Then he 'phoned down
o wallace and they went out to din
Ter together.
Three hours later Betty faced Mar
orie out at the pretty home at Nep-
,nsett on the Long Island shore.
But, listen, Bet the latter was
laying Il know positively that you
lever saw Rex before in your life.
Hes the dearest boy. What have you