The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-19

school. She was-east somewheres, and
her ma died sudden and they called her
home. Everything was gone. He was
honest and paid his creditors. She sup
ports him now. It'll make her feel lad
to show that silly gal around the place
If you had of asked me-but she will
make the sale all right-she's true blue
she amt afraid
"She's a lady-unafraid, all right,
breathed zant, junior. his eyes and his
imagination on fire. "I go right out
there-and-and-I will fix it up some
way. You look after the office, Walters.
Phone father if anything comes up and
say I'm out on business that could not
wait"
At the nearest garage the young man
got a car and went spinning down the
avenues and out the boulevard to the
lake through the lesser, wandering
roads to the old Trant place. As he
reached the gate and got out he met
the Perkinses going to their own car.
Regina was not with them.
Where's your-guide?" he asked
lightly, while Maidie's eyes suggested
assorted coquetries. The girl was pet
t:sh and enthusiastic.
"She said she wanted to walk about
by herself and would go in on the troll
ley. I have decided that want the
place. I must say she seemed to know
every corner of it and made it awful1y
interesting. want it,"
An inspiration came to the young
man. He was sorry for Made, but
burning with zeal to see her go. He
turned to her father.
'1'm sorry" he said, "but was new
in the office, and didn't know that the
place is no longer for sale. The Trants
to it,
''I'n give $500 more outright for it,
began Perkins, but Zant was firm. Fin
ally, he Modified and got rid of them
on promise to show them another place
the next day.
He turned in at the gate of the big
honey old place and wandered down
a garden path. The grass was tangled
and uncut, the roses blooming in wild
profusion. An oriole was singing some
where. He heard a queer little sob like
a child's, and turning corner saw
Regina full length and face down upon
heard him.
DON'T he said awkwardly, kneeling
beside her, please don't"
In an instant she was on her feet,
and he also rose. She stood facing
him, her hands hanging straight at
tried to smile. but it was hard work.
Il" she began quietly. II used to
live here, and"
IT was a brutei" he said. ct didn't
know. I met the Perkinses and told
them the place is not for sale. I have
some money from my grandmother.
1 want to get it-for you. You must
think I am insane, but am not. I
intend to make you love me and come
here and live with me some day, and
your father, too. 1 won't insult you
by asking you now. But the place
shall never be sold again-I won't let
dad do it. Will you walk about a bit
and show it to me?'' He picked up
her hat and soothed her with COM
monplace inquiries until she forgot her
trouble and was once more herself.
I'm SO ashamed" she murmured
when the sun was low and they were
again at the gate. She would not go
in the machine with him, but made
him put her on the trolley He left
her reluctantly.
You will remember-what 1 said %
he asked impetuously. She gave a
little smile and that gallant little lift
of the head.
Whatever comes, or doesn't come, I
shall try not to observation-disclosures
righted, 1912. by Associated Literary
Press.)