The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-08-09
THE EVENING STORY
Nevada BeIle.
(By lola Forester

ABy lZOAa EOrTeSL6r.)
I'D like to know where you intend
to put him. that's all? Dolores stood
on a chair to dust the grill work be-
tween the two front rooms of the tiny
apartment, and her tone was far from
being philosophical. On the floor by
the piano sat Gretchen in a bingham
apron that nearly left her in total
eclipse, and industriously attacked the
mahogany with damp chamois.
When one has an uncle who is a
real live senator, one does not think
or such trifles. He has telegra phed
his most gracious intention of visiting
US. Therefore, we must dust and pol
ish against the coming of the prince"
How old is he, Gret?'
4 haven't the least idea, said the
polishing lady, cheerfuIly. He went
out west, or down to Texas. or some
such place when I was about as high
as this piano stool, and he made his
pile, as they say, and got woefully
rich. 1 don't think he dug it out of
the ground. It isn't a bit like our
family to do that. More likely he in
vested in town lots and then doomed
the town, and made it the county seat,
and got all the franchises that were
budding. The main point is that he is
very wealthy, and has suddenly felt
heart throb, and a call back home"
And to YOU
That's only because there isn't any
home spot for him to touch excepting
where I live" Gretchen rubbed vigor-
ously, and her voice sounded muffIed.
We're all dead in our family, cept-
| in Uncle Al and my own sweet self
Does he know that you sing?"
He doesn't know a thing except
the number on the lower hall door,
dear. He doesn't know that this ar
tistic abode is all yours, and that
you're my only friend in the world,
and that I've been most horribly sick,
and that you found me in a measly
hall bedroom-why is it that lone
damsels who are sick always are dis
| covered in hall bedrooms-and drag
ged me here by sheer force, and have
taken care of me till 1 got my grip
| back
She stopped. not from inclination.
damned forcibly in her face.
We won't say any more about
that" Dolores laughed. I'VE will en-
terrain our senator uncle. Poor old
boy. Would he mind the davenport
much, Gret? 1t isn't so bad if you
yourself, you know How tall is he %
Gretchen disregarded the query. The
| electric bell was buzzing, and she hur
ried to the door.
Telegram from uncle" she called
back. "Wait for the answer a minute
boy"
Together the girls read the slip of
yellow paper. Briefly it stated the ar
rival of the senator, but that he had
been detained by a business engage
ment, and would be late.
mo answer. boy" Gretchen called,
then suddenly. she saw the expression
on Dolores face, as she stood holding
the telegram in her hand. Why,
what is it, dear?''
Dolores pointed one finger accus-
ingly at the name signed to the mes
sage, Allan Esterbrook.
! why didn't you tell me his name
before? 1 can't stay here, Gret, dear"
Already she began taking off her
apron and kimono. Her face was
pale, and her eyes had filled with
| tears. Don't ask me, please, please.
He doesn't know that am here, so it
won't make any difference. Just say
niture, everything, and I'll run down
to my aunt's until he has gone. Oh,
| Gret, you darling, knew there was
some reason why l liked you best of
all the girls at the Art League"
Mystified, and very quiet, Gretchen
waited. after her chum had gone. She
had always admired Dolores Sayres
at the league, admired her clean cut,
clever draughtsmanship, and sense for
the right form and line. She knew
money. Lots of the girls were. Do
/ lores had seemed perhaps a shade
more dignffied and reserved than the
rest, but not to her Why should
she suddenly run in a panic at the
sight of that name?
A little past nine o'clock the senator
arrived Even Dolores would have
Improved of him, Gretchen felt sure.
He was tall. and youthful looking, in
spite of his dark hair just tipped with
silver
80 this is your girl bachelor quar-
tiers, is t?" he said after he had kiss
ed his niece. and exchanged greet
ings. 81 did not know you were so
well situated. Art is not so bad, after
ALL"
| Gretchen smiled, but shook her
head. Then her old sense of fairness
got the better of her discretion. and
she told her side of art life, even down
to the hall bedroom, with the wolf
growing in at the keyhole, as she put
lit Someway, it seemed easy to tell it
all. now, sitting on the low tabourette,
with the senator listening in silence.
| Wen change it all now, girlie,'' he
said when she had finished. Life has
not played a very fair or gentle game
with me. I've lost the dearest gift
| it gave me. the girl loved"
How did you lose her. Uncle APP
asked Gretchen suddenly.
"A telegram came for me while we
were on our honeymoon. 1t simply
read like this. Belle will join you at
Portland
who was BELIEF"
All that is the question we divided
on" smiled the senaF or. Dolores
| Dolores p exclaimed Gretchen,
flushing happily. asa clasping her