The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-07-01
THE EVENING STORY
Margaret IncognitO.
(Rv Mary Gilhert.l

a printed slip, and they say that they
decline my story only because of an
over-supply. That would be encourag-
ing If 1 could keep up the fight for an
other year, but I can't I'm down to
my last dollar. It's case of appeal to
Aunt Martha, starve to death, or work
at something else"
The thought of Aunt AEartha's part
ing words caused the instant dismissal
Of the first plan, her healthy young
body revolted against the second, so
she gave her attention to the third.
The Want columns of the morning
paper gave little promise of aid until
she came to this: wanted, a neat.
cheerful young woman to care for in
valid and do light homework for two
in suburban home. The Lilacs, Nor
mandy"
Meat and cheerful she unused. II
ought to manage to answer to that de-
scription. Old DR.. Billings always ad-
vised me to be a nurse. surely know
enough about Homework to do 1t for
two. Quite a come-dowr from the
star to which had hitched my wagon,
but it's a case of work or starve. Be-
sides, think of the chance shall have
to write articles on the servant Ques-
toni"
She smiled at the idea, then grew
very grave at the thought of the step
that she was about to take.
Il must call myself Maggie" she
thought, going to the mirror and eye
ing herself critically, land part my
hair in the middle"
Shaking down her wavy pompadour
she effected a couture that was intend
ed to be maidlike. but made her look
more like a Madonna. Then she slip
ped out of the dingy boarding house
and took car to '"The L4ilacs. 1t
proved to be an old-fashioned house.
surrounded by trees and flowers.
How can anyone that lives here be
an invalid % thought Margaret, looking
admiringly at the noble elm shading
the veranda.
A pleasant-Iooking young man an
swered her ring at the door. He look
ed surprised when she stated her
errand, but seemed confident that she
could I'LL all requiem ents. He usher
ed her into the presence of his wife,
weet-faced young woman whose deep
eyes and patient mouth betrayed SUI
fering of which she never complained.
II shall love to take care of her"
thought Margaret impulsively. Il
know that there is no servant problem
here"
The necessary ARRANGEMENTS were
soon made, and Margaret promised to
return that evening.
What will Aunt Martha say?" she
thought returning to her dismal little
room "And Mrs. Spiegel and all the
boarders? But why should I tell them 2
It's really none of their business It
would be such fun just to disappear
and have them all wondering what had
become of met"
Most of her belongings had been left
at Aunt Martha's, when she had been
driven from the only home that she
had ever known. The soanty remainder
was soon ready to be carried away.
Escaping from the house unnoticed,
she smiled at the thought Of the n7ys-
terry that she had created.
When Mrs. SpiegeI found the room
empty next morning, she was angry at
having the girl leave without notice.
But she relieved her feelings by the
thought that her board had been paid
in full. She told the other boarders
that Miss Manning had been called
home unexpectedly.
The only one who did not believe her
story was young reporter, tn r, latest
addition, both to the staff of the Daily
News and the household of Mrs.
Spiegel. It occurred to him that the
story Of this young girl might furnish
material for story.
Mrs. Spiegel was readily persuaded
to part with what information she
could give regarding her departed
guest. She also gave him the manu-
script OF her latest story which Mar
garet in her haste had overlooked.
It was a very readable story that
young Merrill carried to his editor.
The brave struggle of a young girl was
wildly portrayed, her mysterious dis
appearance deplored. Margarets lat
est story, a really excellent bit of work,
proved assertions as to her talent.
Other newspapers copied the story
Two magazine editors who had manu-
scripts of Margaret's published them in
their next number.
Margaret, in the meantime, was IN
conscious OF the attention paid her and
her work Mr.. and Mrs. Stone lived
very quietly, and she herself seldom
left the house. 1t never occurred to
her employers that there could be any
connection between Margaret Manning
and Maggie Mann.
Most of them are no better than
can write myself" she sometimes
thought, little bitterly.
One evening Mr.. Stone returned
home jubilant.
whom do you suppose met on the
street today?" he asked his wife.
young Ned Merrill, grown go tall that
hardly knew him. He is reporting
for The News. Had an engagement
for tonight, but made him promise to
come out to dinner with me tomor-
row"
To have a guest at 'The Lilacs'' was
quite an event. and Margaret prepared
the meal with unusual care. The table
was daintily set, the dinner excellent,
and she herself a pretty picture.
Ned Merrili's eyes danced at the
sight of her. but he gave no other sign
of recognition. After the first start of
surprise, Margaret persuaded herself
that he had forgotten her.
That's a nice-looking maid of
yours" Merrill remarked to his host,
as they sat together over their cigars.
''She is a girl in a thousand" Mr..
Stone answered.
''She looks too intelligent for the
position" said Merrill renectively.
Perhaps she's gathering material for
a book"
That may be-" assented hfs host. az