The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-10-27
THE EVENING STORY
In the Background.
(By Robert B. Smith. }

(By Robert b. Smith,
1t was over at last. The bridal
couple was whirring away from the
house in a motor, followed by the
usual bonn bardment of rice.
The bulk of the guests being en-
gagged in this engrossing occupation,
no one but Price Emerson saw Emily
Morse slip quietly through the door
leading to the cellar. She was not
aware he had seen her. She fancied
her retreat was unnoticed.
Emerson waited until the tap-tap OF
her little slippered feet had died away
on the stairs. Then, while the other
guests on the porch and the lawn in
front of the little cottage were laugh
ing light-heartedly, he tiptoed eau
tiouSly to that cellar door.
It was still ajar. He held his ear
close to the crack, and through it he
caught certain unmiStakable sounds.
himself no one saw, he, too, slipped
through the door.
The sounds from below were clearer
now and even more unmlstakable.
Very quietly he tiptoed down the
stairs, treading very carefully that no
squeaking board might give him away.
At the foot of the stairs he stopped
short. Emily sat dejectedly on the
chopping block, her feet dangling in
a pile of newly-cut kindling.
Young Mr.. Emerson swallowed very
hard two or three times and looked
almost regretfully at the stairs which
had just brought him hither. Then he
squared his shoulders.
''Oh, I say, En-" he said in such a
voice as one uses to a hurt child.
please go away. Please let me
a1one,'' she said without uncovering
her eyes.
A~ain Emerson looked at the stairs.
This time he slowly shook his head
and took a long breath.
"Oh, I say, EN- he repeated, not
finding ANYTHING else to say at the mo-
ms Please
do that!'
He could not see that her eyes were
uncovered this time, but she must
have seen him, for she said in an odd
little voice:
ooh, it's you, Price, is it?"
He took three steps toward the
chopping block.
You mustn't feel like this, EN- he
observed. Really, you mustn't. 1t
was bully old wedding. don't think
ever saw so pretty a one. And
Tots got cracking chap in Weston.
Why, he's got all kinds of money and
he's head over heels in love with her.
Il know that came weakly from
the chopping block.
''Then what on earth are you down
here crying for?'' he asked.
Il don't KNOW" she declared.
Emerson looked at her keenly.
I'm, you're simply worn OUT said
he. It's all been too much for you,
the fuss and excitement and all the
work of PREPARATION
She nodded miSera bly,.
Yes, that's it, said she.
Emerson went six steps nearer the
block
Its a shamei" he said almost hot
ly. You shouldn't have done all you
have. You hadn't the strength. You
should have let me help more"
She did not reply. She was sobbing
rather harder now.
why, confound it, if you'd only
listened to reason and married me
three years ago when I wanted you
Its too late to talk about that"
she choked.
Emerson suddenly caught his
breath. He opened his mouth as if
to speak. Instead he closed his
mouth again and made the interview
ing distance to the chopping block
again in a bound. He took the girl
in his arms. She wavered for a mo-
ment
EN-, EN-" he was saying joyfully
why. I never heard you so meek as
this. You always turned me down
cold. You wouldn't listen to me. You
admit then it would have been better
if you'd married me in the first
placer"
DON'T" she said brokenly, but
something in her tone gave him the
answer to his question and set his
heart to pounding.
questioned.
She turned away her head
Il couldn't couldn't, Price, said
she. 81 had Tot to look after and to
bring up after mother died, and II
it would have been too much then like
you for what you could do
for us-what your money could do
for US. I thought so then, anyway. So
/ worked and-and-''
EN-" he said, you little fool
Didn't you love me?'
Yes" said she.
You love me now?''
NO she cried suddenly, mo, oh
nor
eWhy?''
Price, what are you saying to me?
You have no right I had my chance.
pride I saw fit to pass it
by. You-they say you are engaged
to the beautiful Randall GIRL
Suddenly he took his arms away.
He stood by the block very stiff and
straight. His brows We're slightly
puckered. She could not see him, for
again her eyes were hidden in the
crook of her arm.
And you loved me all the time,'' he
said accusingly. 'tOh. Emu
Then he was gone She heard his steps