The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-09
TIE EVENING STORY
A RStrOSDecf.

me-"
81 am interested in you," said the
woman at the desk. you are young
and ambitious and very enthusiastic .
THE other editors said the girl
( tell me to submit my stories and
they will read them. But you take
time to talk to me and advise me and
help me. You do think 1 can write,
don't your"
Il think that some day you will be
able to write.'''
The editors eyes were keen and ap-
praislng. Her face was cold and there
was a touch of sadness about her lips.
When she smiled, a surprising gentle
ness softened her face and brought a
faint glow to the clear skin.
Some day 1 shall be able to write
repeated the younger woman, her mer-
ry, pfquant face suddenly serious
THAT is encourageme enough to
help me through every trial. I am
ready to give up every other interest
for this one beautiful, perfect dream"
"A girl of your age and charm
usually has a very important interest
"A young man.
There was a young man, Miss
Graymont a wonderfully nice man.
few. I though that if I came to the
city and met editors and writers I
should be able to do better work and
sell it. He wanted me to stay at home
ton. I refused"
The sad lines about the editors
mouth dcepened. Her eyes seemed to
look through the girl and far beyond
her. DO you love him?' she asked
slowly. "And is he good and true? Is
it only your ambition that stands be-
tween you?'
Il want to be a great writer. Am
bition is greater than love-"
My advice is marry the man you
love. Do not give him up for the sake
of a career
81 want the career" The girls lips
were set in a stubborn line.
Miss Ellis, between a beginning
and success lie years of struggle and
heartache, cruel thornS and bitter
tears. If you love a man. go home
and marry him.
81 shall not"
You remind me of a girl 1 knew
years ago. She was as pretty as you
are and ambitious and enthusiastic. !
She left her lover and came to the
city. At first she had hard time:
her stories sold slowly. But gradually
editors found merit in her work With I
each success the memory of the man |
she had loved grew fainter. At last |
Sc wrote him that her ambitions |
out of her life forever. For time she |
was very happy. But when she had |
reached the most coveted pinnacle she /
found only-only unutterable loneli-
she is still young. The man-she has
never seen him since. 1 suppose he
has forgotten
But I am different persisted the
girl. Success will completely satisfy
me. I was never so happy in my life
as I was when you read my story
Cherry Blossoms and told me that
It was good
cherry orchard, the old stone bench by
The brook. the dying sunlight on the
distant hills. touched-attracted me.
mean, and the story you placed in that
setting was a tender, natural little
owe story"
A shade came into Mabel Ellis's
eyes. 'It was a true story she said
softly. 'It really happened there I'M
'eal and the brook and the stone
;eat, and Roger and were real lovers.
But we have parted now
Roger"
Roger Galbraith"
"You live at Woodford?"
why how did you know"
Il was there once. 1t was spring
ime and the cherry trees were in
)loom.' Again the editors eyes went
ar beyond the girl, beyond the citys
immense buildings. After a moment
he brought her thoughts back to the
'irl. You are going home" she said ]
interrupt me. You must go home and
marry him. You have not the talent
Lor the ability. You will never
mount to anything in the literary
vorld.''
But you told me a few minutes
go that can write"
Never mind what 1 told you then.
listen to what I say now. You can
lot write. You have absolutely no
alent"
At the door the girl turned. The
ditor saw the look on her face. I
Mabel she said gently, forgive my
ruelty: it is kindness"
you have killed my am bition.' said
he girl, land you have broken my e
cart
A few days later a man was shown '
nto Miss Graymont's Office.
Roger Galbraith.' The editor'sl (
dice was almost whisper.
mabel Ellis has told me everything" r
aid Ga1braith. ''She came home ut i
srly discouraged. A beautiful dream q
ubbIe has been pricked by the sharpI
eedle of brutal frankness."
''I am glad she has gone home. She e
I'LL not sacrifice love for a career