The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-01-14
THE EVENING STORY
In the Mask.
(By James Bardin.)


Clayton proposed to me tonight"
confided Ruth. demurely.
Hes an awful flirt." said her
friend. Jane Barron. mischievously.
"A mans man."
What did you tell him ?''
Ruth dimpled. s.Nothirg-much. II
asked for time to consider. 1 know
he's a great heart breaker, and all
the girls are wild about him. But I've
never heard of his proposing to any
one. $3.50 he rather took me by
surprise
DO you love him? asked Jane
softly.
Yes said Ruth, blushing.
Then why didn't you accept him p
somehow, 1 can't feel sure that
ne loves me. I may be one of his
many fancies."
He has never proposed to any one
before" reminded Jane
''I know. He cares for me now
For weeks-months. nearly, he hasn't
looked at anybody else. But I'm not
sure that he cannot be tempted"
Wait until Mardi Gras. New Or.
leans is full of pretty women then"
suggested Jane. Hitherto Clayton
has lost his head to every mask"
Ruth caught her friends hand.
walt, she cried, and thought for a
moment. The two pretty heads bent
Tits daring" said Jane.
will you help me %
''Of course. dear A staid young
married woman like me loves to see
others made happy. And-I like
Three nights later Clayton Moran
left his coffee house and took his ac-
customed way toward his home. He
passed through the old French quar-
ter, that nest of romance in the heart
NnyU nrT ms rx-n- 1o<A 80
was walking fast.
M'sieu!" said a soft voice.
Clayton stopped and peered up at
the balcony whence had come the
call. He was IN the light, but the
balcony was shaded and he could see
Something struck him on the face.
Involuntarily he caught at it, and
grasped bit of paper rolled into a
ball. He was about to toss 1t away.
half angry that some unknown per-
son was making sport of him.
'Ah," warned the voice from the
balcony.
Clayton opened the paper. 1t was
a note, written in q. delicate, femi
nine hand.
"Mr. Clayton Moran" he read. "if
you wish an adventure. go tonight
to the corner of Rue de la Chaise
and Avenue Blanc. There you will
find carriage. The driver. will say
reply AT ten Get into the carriage
and ask no questions. I need assist
ance, and have sent for you. You may
trust me-
.'The devil" muttered Clayton.
twentieth century New orleans. this
is not bad. Lady in, distress, Ell?
Well, I'm ripe for an adventure. my
lady. 1 don't know what Ruth would
say to this. but I'll be discreet
Il I,;e.
to find the carriage. 1t was at the
appointed place. and soon Clayton was
rolling through the streets. He tried
to keep his sense of locality, but
failed-the carriage turned too many
corners. When it finally drew up in
of where he was.
A door in front of him opened, and
he entered dark hall. A hand
grasped his and he was led down the
passage.
Cad" said he, I'm a fool. wish
1 had nv revolver"
Another door opened. and Clayton
was pushed into dimly lighted
room. He heard a piano playing soft
ly and when he became accustomed to
the light he saw a woman seated at
the instrument. He waited.
| Presently the woman turned. She
wore a mask.
rM'sieu Clayton, is it not. she
yes" replied Clayton. recovering
a little from his establishment. He
strove to pierce the covering of black
, silk. Her chin was exquisite.
You may call me-Margot." said
the woman with little laugh. 81
mask my name as well as my face,
you see."
"Margot, it is a crime to mask what
must be so lovely"
1.-The name-or the face" she
fenced.
ITO judge the name from what I
can see of the face-both," he re-
Piled.
"M'sieu flatters.''
Clayton approached. why do you
wear that mask?'' he asked.
"That will be known-presently. I"
she replied .Will you be seated? I
must talk rapidly"
Clayton sat down. The room was
in emi-darkness. He could recog-
nize nothing.
"Wnl you answer one question p"
| he asked Where am I?''
| Margot looked at him steadily.
| 'M'sieu," she asked. ignoring his
question, ARE you married?'
! mo"
"wfll you marry me?"
Clayton looked at her stupefied.
"Will T. he cried
| Margot watched him narrowly. She
was very beautiful.
/ H.
/ after a moment my father left a
will If I am not married before my
twentieth birthday, I shall lose a
| large fortune. Tomorrow II am
/ twenty
| Clayton nodded mutely.
"I made a mistake. I daIied with
my suitors, not realizing how fast
time flies. The day drew near. and
there was no one for me to marry"
! why did you choose me?" iron
| ically
1T know you well. You have danced
with me, played tennis with me
even made love to me. Did 1 not wear
this mask Well, L like you. You
are a gentleman. and 7 know I can
trust you You pass this house every
night on your way home from the
coffee house, and thought of this
plan to interest you-to arouse your
sense of romance. If you will marry
me. you need only sign the banns and
r.. /