The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-18
THE EVENING STORY
The Invincible God.
(By Grace De Pina.)

1
| hands rested on his cane, his chin
upon his hands. Restlessly his keen
brown eyes searched face after face;
but presently his quest seemed to
end, and rising abruptly, he sought
his hostess.
will you introduce me to that girl
over there?" he requested.
Mrs. Tindall strolled with him to
where Miss Currin was serving lem
onade. Isabel, Mr.. Cramer is thirsty
please be kind to him." she said.
Isabel stretched out her hand. The
old gentleman held it long enough to
call a question to her eyes.
II asked to meet you," he explained
frankly. You are the only one here
who might succeed. have been
watching them all. Will you help
me?"
"Details, please murmured Isabel,
smiling.
She liked this abrupt old man with
the kindly face. There was magnetic
appeal in his expression as he an
swered her.
ct have a son. he began. HE is
very dear to me. He is ill-unhappy.
1t amounts to the same thing very
often. He needs a doctor. For
long time 1 have been hunting for
the right one. My search is over.
Now, want you to help me persuade
him to take the case"
81! What is the matter with your
son?' asked Isabel gently.
He is whitening" diagnosed Mr..
Cramer, solemnly. Grief seldom kills,
but he is rivelling-mentally, ply
sically. worst of all, in his heart. It
frightens me. He is too young.
disapprove of it at any age, in fact"
"Of course!" agreed Isabel vigor-
ously. But how can 1 help your"
He plunged on quickly. MY son
thought he fell in love, a year or so
ago-desperately, you understand!
H. II
the lady decided he wasn't rich
enough. Then and there he vowed
to marry none but a wealthy girl, to
eliminate the chance of future decep-
ton. 1t is running him." He put in
simply. He's got to be reused! You
are the doctor-it is a won1an's task.
want you to do it." he ended
bluntly. - So, s.. -s -,,-, a
sRoused?" repeated Isabel. curl
ously.
tensely. He's numb, prick him, for
good, or bad; only make him fell"
Howl" asked the girl, still Curl
Gus and a little bewildered.
Mr.. Cramer shrugged his shoulders,
expressively. Suddenly Isabel stiff
ened. do you mean-Tm-to-fiirt
with your SON? Because, if you do
"Oh, my dear!' deprecated the old
gentleman, yet undisturbed by her
flashing eyes. He changed his tone.
Young lady, 1 am fighting for my
sons future, and his sane frame of
my way. He's not going to dry up
into a miserable, crabby cynic, If I
can help it. Somebody's got to prove
the existence of love and faith and
all the other. old-fashioned sugar
plums; and pretty soon, too. I've de-
cided you are the one to do it,"
why me?" asked Isabel peril
nently
Because" said Mr.. Cramer, lean
ing on his cane and staring at her.
Perhaps Isabel found the answer
more lucid than masculine. for she
became interested, and little flat
cred, in spite of herself.
You have plan?" she queried' in
half surrender.
81 thought it out long ago. Since
money have you? You mustn't mind"
he added quickly.
But Isabel shook her head without |
resentment. My face is my fortune, I
sir, she quoted. smiling.
Him! Then you must secure ex-
pectations of a great legacy" he an
nounced. TIL see that that. You will
then proceed to engage his attention |
4 leave the method to you. If he
succumbs, you must burn your expec- |
if you have really sue
ceeded, it won't make any difference.
When alrs said and done, the little |
god Is tnvincible, you know"
What of me-if the little god
lose both the legacy and-the game"
IF the two proved inseparable-l
would you care to VIM" parried
Cramer. Besides, it is great OPP
portunity that I offer you-to restore
1 fellow beings capacity for happi-
ness. The risk involved is not COM
parable"
But suppose?" gasped the girl. The
learns to care, and can't fall in love
with him?"
Have you met my son ?'' demand
ed the old gentleman proudly.
NO. admitted Isabel, smiling.
"Ah! He Is coming this way now!"
exclaimed Cramer. "A good omen"
Isabel detected a total lack of,
rather than any definitely disagree
able expression on the face of the
young man who stood before her.
She studied him as they chatted, and
before he excused himself, was justi-
wing his fathers stand by becoming
JUS of calling forth some decided
haracteristic-good or bad.
.WeH?" pleaded Cramer anxiously.
"Pll-try,' answered Isabel softly.
BLESS you, my deari" he muir
pressing her hand. Are you
needed here any longer? Suppose we
lit over there he pointed to the
summer house, land decide the de-
.aiIs. There must be no time lost and
40 weak links in our chain. Now,
for the source of your legacy-they
never fall from heaven-could you
race up a great aunt or god-mother
or something? Think-hard."
Isabel thought; then confessed to
bankruptcy.
I'VE must find one for you them
s'HoW?'' /;
Trust met" chuckled Cramer as
suringly. There is a little old lady