The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-02
THE EVENING STORY
The Hermit Woman.
lBY Yirgiuia Rlair.l


When Windham found her on one
OF his hunting trips in the mountains
ne knew that her life held a problem.
NO woman goes voluntarily into exile
without some reason. The people of
the mountain side called her 1.-THE
her, although she did not live the
frugal life usually ascribed to those
who seek solitude
Her bungalow was built somewhat
luxuriously and two colored servants
made her comfortable. But except
Tor the servants she was always
alone. 1t was said that she spoke to
no one. but Windham, challenging
THIS statement, forced a frigid GOOD
morning" from her as he passed the
garden where she worked among the
roses.
After that he often passed the
garden. 1t was a wonder spot in the
clear space among the tall, old trees.
Sne likes roses" he said to him
self. 'I'll bring her some, and she'll
have to thank me for them"
The next time he went to the city
ne sought a florist, and came back
with box in which lay a dozen long
nudded golden beauties He took
ried the bunch to her leaning over
the gate as he proffered them.
They're new kind" he said
easily. Il thought you might like to
She was kneeling by one of Inc
beds. digging about the roots of a
bush. and she looked I'D at him with
startled eyes.
No she said Jelly. 1--WE never
seen them; they are very pretty
He held them out to her. 81
brought them for you.''
She drew back little and shook
her head. Thank you.' she said,
but I'd rather not
is nj,
square His eyes met hers with a
challenge
Then I'll leave them on top of the
gate" he said lightly. and laid them
there and went away
When he, came back the next day
the FADED flowers were where he had
left them. ut was a pity he said.
'to let them die"
st thought it was you who put them
there to die" she said.
flowers. She looked very slender
and girlish in her white morning
gown; a wide hat lay on the grass
beside her wreathed with roses.
W1ndham wondered that she didn't
lose her interest in pretty clothes.
Although so far away from all social
obligations, she still kept herself up
to the highest standard of dainty
femininity.
Perhaps" he said "if they had
die"
"Why?"
cision
1.-THE roses on your hat, the gown
you wore yesterday morning, the
scarf that was around yopr head the
first night I saw you-all were rose
color"
She rose and said with some de-
clslon. Il must go in. I think you
are presuming little-Mr-?''
''Windham," said the man at the
gate. 81 think I gave you my Gre
dentialS when my landlord intro
duced US the day we came over to ask
about the hunting privilege
she tola him. Il am I'D here to be
He saw that it would not make
his case better by staying, so he went
And that night there was a great
storm on the mountain The wind
blew and the rain came, the light
ming blazed across the heavens and
the thunder was ceaseless cannon
ade.
Windham, beating his way against
the wind. made his way to the bunga-
low of the hermit woman. He found
her crouched in the corner of the
porch. The two negroes were wall
ing in the kitchen.
she came to him.
II have never been alone in a
storm before she said. ''I was afraid
to stay in the house, afraid to be out,
yet it was better to face it"
said. why haven't you some one to
take care of your"
They were standing in the middle of
the big living room.
You need some one to take care of
v--x H.
people?"
cit is because of them that 1 came
away she told him my father
gave me a stepmother, my brothers
hated me because my mother, left
me her money. There was never a
moment of peace or happiness, so I
came up here away from the world.
I don't want them to find me- L don't
want ever to go back to them
play for me- he said. "I haven't
heard any music since 1 came up
here
She went to the piano in the alcove
played. and Windham sat in a great
chair by the fireplace and listened.
Presently one of the old darkies came
in with tea on a tray. and they had it
together, socially.
The storm had rolled into the dis
lance. There was a light patter of
rain on the leaves outside, and now
and then golden flash.
ST am glad you came" the girl
said, and held out her hand to him
as he rose to go.
"I shall come again." he told her.
Twill you play for me?"
yes she said. and went to the
door with him.
Then as she looked out into the
darkness of the night she faltered.
eFor the first time I feel lonely
The next day he went to the city.
Again he visited the florist. but this
time he brought back pink pointed
buds, like seashells, and this time
she did not let them die. She cher
ished them for many days.
But there came Gay when he
brought her white roses, a day when
his mothere came with him from the
city, and his sister. and few of his