The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-08-26

ces was saying in firm, quiet tones.
land you must leave this arbor at
once, at once say"
Il have had a caller" observed the
girl evenly, as Winsor wrapped her
impatiently in the scarf.
80 observed. Were you not alarm
ed, Frances?"
Not when I saw it was one of the
hoatmen." She could not refrain
smile at his evident disapproval.
DO YOU know he took UP the con-
versation and his former position as ne
had left it, that you are not my ideal
woman"
.Teu me-" she pleaded.
your beauty is beyond reproach.
But I like to feel that 1 am necessary
to a woman"
you mean you would like to man
age her business for herr"
Robert Winsor laughed. I've no
do1bt should like to offer advice" he
admitted. And l should ike 10 prs
tect her. and have her feel she eouio
not live without me-
sThat is very pretty. But what about
this poor. inadequate creature pelOi
she finds you? What is going to sup
port her through the rough knocks sue
! is very liable to get before you appS0A
upon the scene?"
| you misunderstood. Frances. And
while I utterly disapprove or your
beautiful self-sufficiency, still love
you" ,.a~
He leaned forward to look into he y.
ewes s'Ive been warned against YOU
he said almost defiantly. AK 1 nave
fought against you. But still, want
YOU more than anything else in all the
worldi VIII you marry me-oear
Her eyes remained steadfast. her
fingers lay quietly in his.
do YOU know she answered, that
| cd a ga inst YOU
Against me?" incredulously.
"rrhat love-making has become q
lbabit with you. That you are
lworshipper of beauty-for a Gay Ineil
lyou forget, for some new type OF az
Traction. That you are on no account
10 be taken seriously. Isn't this anus
ing?"
amusing. Who has dared tell you
such things % sternly
perhaps some of the girls whom
YOU have forgotten, just as the mer
who wished me to consider them IN
ldispensable have told YOU.
''1hen you will let the idle words o.
a mischief-maker influence you against
" The girl caught her breath at thu
sound of reproach in his voice.
He does it WE'LL" she thought bit
Have you not admitted that yol
were Influenced against me?" she ask
. ed calmly.
1T was true. then" he said bitterly
: s.You are cold and unwomanly or yol
would recognize the real thing when !
comes to you. 1 may have been
trifer unintentionally, but this is oil
ferent"
8 perhaps We had better return t
the house. she answered a littl
YEARLY.
l Across the lawn and along the We
/ lranda to the open door of her roor
Il they walked in silence.
u GOOD night" she said gently
Winsor stood alone where she le
him. 80 it is all over, and they WEI
right about her" he thought misel
r Suddenly the door of the room b.
n hind him was flung open.
i "Oh, oh, Bobby" cried Franc
Bradford running toward him in eV
O dent distress.
/: Winsor held out his arms to he
a He held her close, and she chung
y. him.
Did YOU really mean it." she WIFI
o pered. trembling at his tenderness
- Did I mean it? Frances, France
" can you not trust me-
He kissed her tenderly. But VIII
lie is the trouble. sweetheart? % he r.
= rnembered to ask, after while.
a oh" cried the self-suficient Nj
lie Bradford, clinging to him aires
lie there is mouse under my dressi1
N tablet Copyright. 1911, by Assoc
Dr. ated Literary Press.)