The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-01-30
TIE EVENING STORY
PRrcV'S Pics.
By Catherine Coope.)

(By catherine Cooper
John Orth had met her at the Car
stairs dinner dance. In his clumsy
masculine way he had tried to analyze
the peculiar sense of detachment that
separated her from the others among
whom they dined. The conventionality
OF her manner had struck him with
sudden, unpleasant force. Even from
her background of ultra-conventionality
Sylvia seemed to have struggled to a
place of prominence.
Being a natural, primitive type of
man, it palled upon Orth to see any
one bound down by set of social rules.
Yet as the days wore on and he was
thrown into Sylvia's company from
! time to time, he realized that some
thing within her had called to him and
he 1onged to answer.
Il can not possibly love a woman
who makes little gods of the pro-
prieties," unused Orth. yet L seem to
want her in spite of myself
He recalled the vision of Sylvia as
she had appeared to him the preceding
evening. Her golden hair upon which
the sun seemed continually to shine,
had been dressed in the latest mode
and the band that encircled it held
each and every tiny curl strictly with
in bounds. Her gown, straight from the
Paris modiste, lacked none of the per-
fections of an evening toilet.
Il have a desire to rumple her up"
unused Ortiz, Just as I have a longing
to rumple up an orderly arrangement
of sofa pillows
He deliberately turned from his mind
the picture of Sylvia. ct could not
possibly stand a wife who insisted on
a conventionally maintained household.
Sylvia would no doubt frown on occa-
sions when L ate a plum without my.
fruit cutlery
notwithstanding his conclusions to
the contrary. Orth knew that he wanted
Sylvia in his home. A stubborn sixth
the social veneer lowering about her
Sylvia possessed the attributes of true
natural mountaineering the set into
which she had been thrown was but
temporary prison.
"I doubt if Sylvia Landowne could
dress herself presently Maud Granger
had once said to Orth. "She is so
helpless when it comes to making the
best of her appearance"
Her maid then-is responsibIe?" Orth
had questioned by way of continuing
the conversation.
''Yes-French. I wish I could get
her" sighed Miss Granger.
II wish you couId,'' thought Orth,
but dig not express himself. 20 "a
II don't believe Sylvia could even
boil the proverbial egg" laughed the
girl.
1--WE will have to start an inquiry"
suggested Orth. Miss Landowne may
be hiding many petty vices of which
we know nothing" he ended laughing
1y.
Another fortnight passed and still
Orth failed to penetrate the veneer.
Sylvia'S reserve was more marked and
it seemed as if at times her eyes held
a rebuke.
Perhaps my tie was not of fash
ionable color" thought Orth.
=
garding the state of his feeling for
Sylvia he determined to take an ex-
tended trip through the West.
Orth's final decision was sudden. In
the afternoon of the evening of his de-
parture he went slowly toward the
home to say goodby.
Having reached the wide veranda he
stopped. A voice laughing and happy had
reached him from the direction of the
The voice was Sylvia's, yet not
Sylvia's. There was freedom and unre-
strain in it and child's treble echoed
it. Orth was conscious of warmth with |
in him. He rang the door bell.
From within he heard Sylvta's voice.
You open the door, darling she called |
to some one
a mite of a boy whose face resembled |
nothing so much as floury apple dump /
ling.
Aunt Sylvia says to bring you into the |
Kitchen" The small figure strutted ahead
and Orth followed.
''Oh-h!" gasped Sylvia, and a blush |
swept up and mingled with the gold at |
her temples. 81 thought you were the |
family"
She was almost hidden in a big gingham
apron and her arms were bare to the ell
BOWS. Flour seemed to be everywhere,
aven on the softness of Sylvia's neck. In
he sudden embarrassment Of the situa-
ion the veneer crumb1ed and was not re-
gained. John Orth smiled asmile that
,aressed the girl, the child, the pastry
md the whole world.
ST must apologize" began Sylvia in
mo, you must not interrupted Orth.
IT am baking pies for Percy, my
laughed the girl with new
shyness in her smile. He insists that no
comes over with his small son, Johnny,
10 seldom Il She was talking quickly
because of the look in Orth's eyes and be-
.auSe she suddenly remembered tnat ner
lair was untidy.
you are adorable" John Orth said I'M
Ter his breath. why can you not always
Ind those smuts of flour on your nose?"
1.-THE Carstairs, and the Van Bibbers
md the Snith-Brown-Jones would not ap-
,rove," laughed Sylvia Don't darling"
you are getting pie on Mr.. Orths
lothes."
Let him. commanded Ortiz. 81 love
lie on my trousers better than anything
n the world. That is-if you make the
ie-Sylvia." He became suddenly half
erious, half laughing. IF I tell you that
love you and want you to marry me.
Will you promise to stop making little
DDS of the conventions and will you al
rays let your hair riot around your ears
nd temples-just that way? Tell me
your"
s'Oh-h. Percy's pies will be burning"
ried Sylvia, and went down on her knees
4 front of the great stove. She turned
smiling, happy face to John Ortiz
A h<aaI tho 6