The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-07-15
THE EVENING STORY
Subjugating Peter.
(By Philip Kean.)


should any man be a woman hater ?"
she demanded again.
"a girl Tilted him. said Phyllis.
when he was only 81. We are all
crazy about him, but it doesn't do us
any good
why crazy %
you'd be. too. Peggy, if you could
see him. He's tall and athletic and
he wears the most correct clothes
mostly white flannels or rough Nor
folk things that make him look
picturesque. But you might as well
looks at woman"
"Oh, doesn't he?"
Peggy uncur1ed herself and crossed
the room. She stood in front of her
into the mirror.
Doesn't he?" she said again.
Now, Peggy Phyllis said. regard
ing her thoughtfully. you needn't
think"
Peggy turned and looked at her. 81
don't think she said, 81 know
But other girls have failed to sub
jugate him. said Phyllis; why should
you expect to Succeed?"
I'm not going to try" said Peggy,
deliberately, ito make him fall in love
with me-I'm not quite such a-shal-
low thing as that, Phyllis. But I'm
going to make him notice me, and I'm
going to do it in perfectly ladylike
fashion,
Phyllis surveyed her wrathfully. cit
would do you good to be brought
down from your stills, Peggy" she
stated.
Peggy crossed the room quickly and
threw her arms around her Tglen iGi
darling?" she demanded.
Phyllis kissed her. Yes. I love
you, and that's why-I hope-hen
bring you down from your stills
A9d tho naxt morning Peggy
watched Peter Powell, millionaire and
bachelor, saunter forth for a walk,
leaving behind him on the hotel porch
line of exquisitely gowned and grace
full girls. among whom were Phyllis
Peggy turned to Phyllis. What
are the habits of-the creature?" she
demanded.
PHYLLIS considered. HE walks a
great deal. Before breakfast he tramps
toward the top of the mountain with
his dogs. Then, about this time he
goes fishing; in the afternoon he rides,
and at night he tramps off again with
his dogs
s'Sociable being" remarked Peggy.
Two days later, Peter, CHM bling the
mountain to see the sun Ive rise In Tong long
ago bv a mountain family, it had been
deserted for years. But now there was
smoke coming from the chimney The
kitchen door was open, and among the
shadows he could see an old colored
woman moving heavily back and Iorth
Wondering a little. he went on ana
m AS he reached the summit rosy
glow overspread the world. and IN that
fransfiguring light his eyes made out
the form of a woman. She was PICK
ing wild blackberries and she nao on
pink sunbonnet. She. seemed young
and slender, but her faded glngham
Gown hid the lines of her figure. Peter,
wondering a little to find her there so
early. whistled to his dogs and Went
on. When he had passed the glrI
raised her head and looked at MIN,
tban she laughed gleefully and fled
back down the mountain.
When Peter came once more TO
the log hut, the front door was open
A fab1e was set within the little porch:
r. vas a quaint old table Of polished
roahoeanv' In the center was sill
yer bowl full of wild roses. Another
silver bowl held blackberr1es.
The old coIored woman came out
,,,itI cream and butter and nodded to
you mus come UP. and git 70,
breakfas' here" she SAID, we EU1
to serve folks what wants soilielnliA
different from the hotel
peter stopped. do you mean ne
asked, eagerly, "that can have
breakfast now?"
,,oI, can" she said, IAN I'll have
VARIES if yo' want UNI"
she vanished and Peter took MS place
at the table. noting the fneness OF the
iineI. and the exquisiteness of the sill
Yer The dogs lay at his feet out
raised their heads as girl came out
with light step. 1t was the glrl ne nao
seen on the mountain top Her sun
bonnet was off. and her brown n slI7
below her waist. Her faded gingham
Gown was turned in neatly at the neck, |
and showed her white throat
She spoke to Peter. Aunt Diisey
xrf11t n n "
or trout? I am afraid we shall have
to ask you to wait little"
Peter was on his feet at once Tell
her I'll have the trout by all means
and I don't mind the waiting II there |
are TO be waff1eS at the end OF 1T.
peggy caught her breath-for PEGGY
II was. She had not dreamed that he
would be so charming Yet he hated
women
talked lightly to set her at ease.
seYou should have opened place far
Their down" he said, mot many of the
hotel guests get up here; it's too much
of a climb
"Oh. 1 know she breathed. IT don't |
expect many-but Aunt Dilsey thought |
that a few-would help"
rs there just you-and Aunt Dilsey?''
he asked.
Yes"
The breakfast was delicious The
waf1es were as light as a feather, the !
coffee perfect. The girl who waited on
the table blushed as he asked the price i
of his breakfast. "Oh, don't know"
she said, you see, we are just begin
ming"
Half of that" she quavered. when
he offered her a dollar, and when he |
had gone she flew out to Aunt Dilsey |
20 take it, she said. oh didn't /
dream it would be SO DREADFUL