The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-10-29
THE EVENING STORY
To Be Decided.
(By Joanna Single.)


| cipation in the office, dusk and de-
preston came together for Mavis Cor
ley as she closed her desk and pre-
pared to leave with that quick order
ly intelligence that made her a val
liable secretary. She dreaded holt
days. Still more she dreaded being
| questioned by her workmates on the
matter of celebrating the day.
In the dressing room she slid swift
| ~ into her dark blue coat and hat,
tucked her curling dark hair into place
| beneath trim veil, and slipped down
the side stairway. She had a pre-
| monition founded on experience that
| Keith Lowry would be not far from
| the front entrance
With a little feeling of escape she
went block or two out of her wav,
and instead Of taking car set out at
a swift walk for the very comfortable
boarding house which had shelteren
her for year. She was nearly there
when mans swift step came behind
her.
Well" exclaimed the big, bland
young fellow, how did you manage
to get past me? 1 wasn't guilty of
waiting at the door, you know. but
had point of vantage where L was
sure could see! Well, have you now
for a minute. VIII you go to the
game with me tomorrow and then to
supper and the theater? Take any one
else you like along-but I'd rather
have just you'll" He thrust a long
have few buds here. Are you going
with me?' He had not given her time
to reply yet.
oh" she said, don't give mo
ing even-flowers all the time. I don't
give you anything in return" she
spoke almost vehemently, mot even"
Not even-liking? Not even-a
hope, Mavis?'
ooh, I do like you; but that's all.
You promised not to talk about any.
thing else, you know Turning a
corner a chill wind struck them, all
in the crowd he came rrotectingly
close and took her arm moment.
''I won't, then, but it's hard work
Look here's a moment, [ must break
my promise this once. fare you are
working homeless. Here I am work
ing, and with a home all ready for
you, but homeless myself because you
won't come to it! Tninl- about it. Is
it fair?"
1T is fair told you I could never
do it. 1t is you wlo are unfair not
to accept my decision" He frightened
his hold on her, and something within
her began to let go, to cease resisting
him- 4 am not going ~ 20 anywhere
with you tomorrow, Keith I am GO
ing to stay at home alone all day, and
do as you ask-think about it. Then
I will give you an answer you shall
accept as final. Don't ask me to go
out Don't do anything but let me
alone"
WELL he said in the dark of the
gate, II have one thing more to saw
I love you, and love you Mavis! Re
member that real love is a warm
And-I've no right to, but I am going
to ask if you care, or have cared, for
some one else? Is it some one who will
make you happy?"
She hesitated
Il don't mind telling you. I am
trying to forget him. 1 thought he
cared as much as but he doesn't.
He could make me happy He belongs
to the old life-when I had father. I
can t talk about it. Let me go in
"Remember--that do care, and
always WI Tn & reality-d mt give
me up for shadow, Mavis."
She broke from him and ran into |
the house.
The next day Mavis deliberately |
mourned for I4enry Morton, making !
no pretense :: pride 20 herself. She |
re-read his letters, set his photographs |
up before her, wondered how he could |
have failed to come back to her after |
the foolish Little quarIc! when she had !
sent him away She had even written |
a note saying she was sorry He had :
not answered. Pride ranked at the /
memory, oUt il q was great.1 tn Al [
pride.
1t was a wretched way to spend Il
holiday. BY dinner time she was half |
sick and did not go down, accepting
landlady sent up. BY she had cried !
herself asleep and did not wake until |
dusk was falling. Then she sat up for
lornly among the pillows and decided
that she could not offer Keith Low
half heart-he was too fine, too gem
uine and sweet and loving. Her heart
at thought of him But she
would refuse him. Then the landladr
knocked at the door and thrust in her
head.
Mr.. Lowry to see you. Says take
your time, but he'll stay till ne sees
you Wants you to dress to go cut"
She slammed the door and numbered
away.
Mavis thought a moment, and then
rose to battle and dress. She was
young, and even tears could not make
her less than lovely, though her eyes
were a little swollen and tired She |
over with, and she would honor him
by looking her best.
Down in the parlor he waited, and
when she came in he rose to meet her,
lowering his voice.
Look here, Mavis, I've been great
orutei We won't think of anything
but being happy tonight. Well go
and you can have whole year to
think in. I don't want you t. de-
eide. How do you like these violets?
Where shall we eat - He bombarded
her with gay, commonplace questi ons
until she was laughing herself.
When they had decided on Morris's
for supper. she ran upstairs for a gay
er hat and better gloves, and they were
off
Mavis was a bit feverish. a great .
7eal relieved and very lovely at tne
table with Keith lean