The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-12-18
The EVENING STORY
Little Brown Bird.

LiIt1e Brown Bird singing. 1t was not
a glorious song like that of the night
ingale; it was just a pleasant twitter,
bringing something of cheer into the
gray gloom of the November day.
If anybody needed ckeer it was
John Carson. Out of work, out of
money-he was faced not only by pow
erty, but by something worse than
Hidden away in the top drawer of
John CarsOn's old desk was Jeweled
bag. And he knew the owner. He
had followed her after he had picked
up the bag that she had dropped. But
he had not returned it-not yet. He
had many things to think of first
He had never been dishonest. He
had faced the world proudly-glad of
his good name-of his spotless record.
But of late, things had gone against
the farm, where he had had regular
work and good wages But he had
been tempted by the glitter of city life,
and had taken a position for which
he was untitled, only to lose it when
he had spent his last penny.
lie had been hungry that morning
when the little lady had dropped her
bag, and he had snatched it up, had
thrust it in his pocket, and had watch
ed her go up the steps of an imposing
apartment house and disappear.
When he reached home he opened
the bag. In it were five ten-dollar
bills-a fortune to John Carson.
He wondered if it would be steal
ing to borrow the money, and pay it
back when he was on his feet again.
what would be the harm
The Little Brown Bird ceased her
singing. The house seemed very silent
The rain dripped outside. and the
wind hOwled.
John Carson rose and went to his
desk, he opened the drawer stealthily,
then shut it quickly as a tap came on
his door.
He crossed the room, turned the
knob, and was faced by the Little
Brown Bird-for the brown bird was
not feathered songster, but a little
slim hazel-eyed seamstress who had
often spoken to John as he passed
her door. or nodded to him as they
met in the hallway.
An aged aunt lived with her, and
they were very poor. John knew that
the Brown. Bird sewed from early
morning until late at night, and even
the old aunt pulled out hastings and
did bits of fine embroidery.
The Brown Bird flushed a little as
she issued an invitation. MY aunt"
she stammered, my aunt would be
glad if you would come over and have
a cup of tea with us-it is such
dreary night"
Johns pride famed. Did they think
two women?
oh he could almost see her heart
futter in her throat, ''please don't say
no We have few friendsEwe are
much alone-we want YOU
He stopped her with a gesture
s'Why are you asking me?" he said.
bIuntIy. 1T is not on your own ac-
count Do you think that I need
food?"
Her cheeks blazed. ooh. no." she
protested, but you need-friends."
He stared at her. How did you
know?"
Il saw you when you passed our
room when you came in tonight-and
your face-oh, there's something the
matter-isn't there?'
down at her. Yes he said, at last,
there is something dreadfully the
matter And-I shall be glad to come
over and have tea with you"
He followed her out into the hall,
shutting the door behind him and
the desk drawer that had tempted
him.
The poor little room opposite was
made coy by the glow of a few Goals
in the CRATE. There was a big plate
of toast, and round brown pot of tea.
A sleek kitten purred on the hearth.
John Carson looked around him as one
who wakes from a dreadful dream.
''Y our room is a home" he said. mine
is tent for the night
The aunt poured tea, while the Lit
tie Brown Bird in a low rocking chair
talked in her CHEEKY voice.
The hot tea and the good toast
brought life to John Carson's deaden-
and found himself presently talking of
his life on the farm to the little girl
in the low chair. while the old aunt
nodded over her knitting.
You should go back" she said, as
he spoke of the green hills and pleas
ant valleys. "You are not made for
the life here"
Are you made for it?" he asked.
q have never known any other
she said. sadly Il was born in the
city have lived here all my life"
Suddenly mad impulse seized John
Carson. Would you like to live in the
country with me?'' he asked.
She drew back. II don't under
stand
a man again. If I have the thought
of you before me, I'd save every penny
I made-and I'd try to make you
happy"
Her hands were over her heart. Il
couldn't she whispered. TT should
be afraid
''of what?" he demanded THAT I
shouldn't love you? Why. I wouldn't
dare profane the name of love until
show you netting worth while
until I could come to you like a man,
with the results of good labor in my
hands-Im only asking you to dream
with me-and to let me know you are
dreaming -and then, please God-I'Il
make our dreams come true
She was shaken by his emotion .'If
all you ask of me is to dream" she
whispered, yes
ITS all I ask now" said John Car
son, and stood Up.
He took her hands in his. seTomor-
row morning shall go away" he said.
But am coming back-be very sure
of that-are you very sure ?"
= IL.