The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-01-04
THE EVENING STORY
saving Lester.

''Of course didn't know there was
anything up, Aunt Philly. He asked
me down for a week, and I came
She's a mighty charming girl, that S
all 1 can say"
"A dangerous charm supple
mented Miss Drake. when l heard
that she was French, said to myself
then, Lester must be saved. It was
against my wishes in the first place
that he ever engaged a French gov
erness for Mildred. I was willing to
take her and do my duty by her until
she was of age, and could be a help
and comfort to her father. But I
did think Lester was old enough and
worldly enough not to be caught by
a girl like that
Toms eyebrows lifted. He grinned
at his aunt mischievously.
Have you seen Mademaiselle Glare
yet, auntie?"
Il have not
''Then reserve Judgment Take it
right straight from your little newly,
Tom, she's an excuse for any form of
madness.
''She does not even know that I
have arrived" Miss Drake added
firmly. Nor does Lester. 1 saw him
in Washington Tuesday He seemed
ILL know Lester pretty well, and
his symptoms, and he was not at all
free with me when I spoke to him
about it. Then I asked about this
French governess.'' She wheeled
about suddenly in her chair. do you
know that she went down to Mexico
with him at Christmas time 2"
Not with him. He sent for her to
bring Mildred down, because he could
not get home for Christmas, and he
wanted the child with him.
''Pish, tush,'' Miss brakes nose rose
half an inch in the air. ''She was
scheming for Lester and Testers half
million. When I think that poor Lii
liam hasn't been dead four years and
what suffering child she was, it
makes my heart ache to think of her
place being filled by French girl.
Her place could not be filled re-
piled Tom, pleasantly. Lester loved
Lii, and was a good husband to her.
But, hang 1t all, auntie, it's doggone
lonely for a man stumping around the
country alone. and Mildred adores
mann 'zelle.''
What's her name. did you say?'
''ESme Clare She's an orphan and
was educated in a convent. Don't be
too hard on her, Aunt PhilIy. She's
been nursing Mildred through
measles, and has been perfect brick
to her.
He stopped. The front door opened,
lightly. There was a sound of quick,
soft footsteps in the hall. A voice
called, "Gyp, come to me-" But Gyp
did not come. Miss brakes lips set
in firm, uncomprOmiSing line as the
frolicsome little Pomeranian ran into
the room. and leaped at Toms out
stretched hand Then she turned her
head, and got good full look at the
French girl.
Slender. dark, she looked indescrib-
ably attractive in her short, black vel
vet walking costume, trimmed in dark
fur. The fur tOque set lightly on her
brown hair, her cheeks were flushed
from her walk in the bracing winter
air, her lips were parted expectantly,
and her dark eyes glanced half visit
fully from one face to the other. She
surely did not look like far-sighted
adventures, and yet Miss Drae's lips
did not relax.
Tom performed the introduction
somewhat aWkwardly. She saw at
once by the absorbed look on his face
that even buoyant Tom had fallen
victim to MAIDEN oiselle. It half pleas
ed her. Tom was not worth fighting
over. He was merely Tom, no more,
no less, in the family estimation.
ct was anxious about Mildred's state
of health, and came on to look after
- Esne's expressive face frightened
instantly at the mention of her charge.
''Ah. but she is better, oh. much bet
ter, madame. now And so patient, so
sweet. If you would care to see her
at once. it could be arranged
Gould it, fndeed?'' InurmUred Miss
Drake irorieally Pm right glad it
can he, Miss Glare. I'm afraid Mildred
has been spoiled good deal since her
Miss Clare's eyes showed tender,
courteous concern for the departed one
She was all attention, all consideration
for the old lady who eyed her with such
frank disfayor.
when I saw Mildred's father Tues
He is here now" interrupted Esne.
happily, eagerly. He has but just ar
rived It was for that I was absent
I had gone to the depot to meet him
with the car.
ssfIe is here?'' Miss Drake rose, trou-
blec and ruff1ed. Tom, must have
a few moments conversation alone with
Miss Clare. You go~and keep Lester
busy till I call you
Tom shrugged doubtful shoulders,
but obeyed, with a look of what he
would have called "bolstering up cour-
age at the demure, low voiced girl
waiting for the storm to break on her
pretty head. It broke as soon as the
door closed after the tall, ungainly Tom.
Miss brakes voice fairly t1embled with
passion as 81 made her final appeal
II have no doubt it is only infatua-
ton she said Men are like that
when they have a pretty girl around
them. But had no idea Lester would
think seriously of marriage
why should he not, madam asked
Esme gently.
fitting for him to marry, well, you.
don't you understand, cliId2'' In spite
of herself her tone did soften Esne
looked very young. very much alone
as she stood there listening. Miss Drake
remembered Tom had said she was an
orphan.
II understand breat1led Esme soft
", her eyes ashine with emotion He
is wonderful is he not2 Why should
he even desire to marry just merely
-me2f'
'sThe Lord only knowsl" answered
Miss Drake devoutly. ''The main
point is he does want to, and he must