The Topeka state journal., 1911-06-14
The EVENING STORY
Toodkin's Interference.
[Ry susanne Glenn.l


| toward the girl in the big rocker, 'I
want you to marry me. right awayl"
You are standing on the vioiel
| plants" said Evelyn Foyler, with a
distressed wrinkle on her brows.
Ihe young man stepped back, apollo
IL hope haven't injured them"
he stammered.
Then with renewed determination. ne
mounted the steps, and sat down
| squarely on the rail itself
You haven't answered my question
yeti he remarked, as coolly as herself.
Il did not know it was a question,
| Richard"
Then I will make it a question. Will
You marry me, at once2'
But we were not even engaged"
| persisted this exasperating young wo-
Il have asked you every full moon
| for the past Is months, without fail,
| though l had to travel 300 miles once
| in order to do soi''
| The girl laughed.
| Still, we are not actually engaged,
you know" she suggested gently.
| There has to be an announcement, and
| q. ring, and endless Showers before one
may seriously consider getting really
| married."
Then announce it tonight, Evelyn,
| and I'll have the ring here tomorrow
morning as soon as you are up!
But why this unwonted haste? Is
there some dark secret you wish 10
| hide from nleT'
The young man leaned over and took
possession Of two hands that lay list
lessly in his ardent grasp, IT may as
we'll tell you the truth am Iaiserably,
maddeningly jealous!"
Miss Foyler drew up little haught-
lily.
+'And you wish to marry a person
whose conduct would leave room Cor
jealousy?'
st wish to marry you, certainly. Can
you doubt it, Evelyn" He laughed,
self-deprecating little laugh.
II can doubt anything after such an
extraordinary declaration
But it is because love you, dear,
that I am Jealous. I do not say there
is any real cause; I only want you
where other fellows will know their
limitations
do you think she asked crisply,
''that I would know-mine?'
Evelyn! Do you suppose I do not
know you are the soul of honor? II
you will say you do not care, l will
leave off bethering you; but-think how
watching the other fellows making the
innings! 1t isn't fair. Evelyn
You may as well tell me what you
! really mean" said the young lady in a
displeased manner. There is some-
thing behind all this!"
''Why do I find young Holden here
every EVENING" demanded Richard
Robson sharply. THAT is precisely
what mean.'
| 'I find him most charming muir
INJURED Miss Foyler demurely. ''Such
| polished manners; it is really quite
delightful and restful to associate with
someone who never b1unders, or-or-
CT neglects one!"
"If he loved you as I do,'' returned
the young man, dropping her hands
reluctantly. 'Ehe might not be so sure
of himself in your presence"
mo, no, Toodkins!'' a little sharp
! ly. as huge white eat, walking leis-
urely round the broad rail toward
| them, presented friendly head to an
immaculate coat sleeve. "You are too
generous with your whiteness!"
Miss Foy1er reached out solicitouS
| hands for her rebuffed pet, and bur-
led her face in his fluffy neck. pro-
ducing a delightful song from the
complacent Toodkins.
"Never mind, dearie, so long as I
love you'll" she murmured with reflec-
tive accent.
"Then I need not bring the ring in
the morning7" inquired the young
man with the utmost cheerfulness.
mo, Dicky. save your money she
answered, giving him friendly hand
| in farewell. "But," she added. when
he was safely down on the gravel
boy in the world for all your blunder-
st suppose it has become sort of
habit" she murmurmed. watching
"But he did it unusually Well this
timei''
"And how much.' she inquired of
Toodkins who perehed wisely on the
arm of her chair. "do you suppose he
really meant about poor Harold Hol-
den?''
Next evening as Robson turned in
at the gate to call upon the mistress
of Toodkins. he encountered Holden
they were met by distracted young |
lady.
Toodkins had disappeared!
"He will easily be found, I can as
sure YOU" cried Holden when they |
had listened to the distressing details |
clapping on his hat, as he hurried |
away on. this errand of mercy. Robi- |
son, rejoicing in the turn affairs had !
taken, sat down in comfortable
why don't you go look for him,
too? Do you not see do not care to |
talk?'' demanded Miss Foyler. much |
'sBut it isn't good for you to sit here
alone. thinking all sorts of dreadful
things" he protested. Suppose you
come with me?''
"That is good idea she acknowl- |
edged, "but should feel much more
comforted, Dicky Robson. if you
would show a little more concern over
the fate of poor Toedkins!"
Nearly week passed, with no trace
of the missing pet. Then one evening
as his mistress sat in her piazza chair. |
she beheld a smiling young man stride
up her walk with a fluffy, white object
in his arms.
seroodkins!' cried the girl.
"Oh, Dick. sit down and tell me
about it. had given up ever finding
him, and here he is, happy and fat
and as white as snow. Oh, the dear,
dear Toodkinsi"
'I suppose you mean expensive?"
observed the young man, sitting down |
comfortably in a swing seat near. Il
owe every policeman and small boy in
the city. In that sense, Toodkins is |
very dear eat!"
The girl laughed nischievously.
"But tell me, Dick, all the particu-
lars. Oh. but you will get long