The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-08-18
THE EVENING STORY
As the Boat Sailed.
(By lola Forester }

She had planned the whole thing
for two weeks before. Yet now, as the
steamer swung out into the Hudson
river and the long, deep whistles
sounded, she would have given any
thing to be back on the long crowded
pier.
Every one had crowded out to the
rails. 1t was almost deserted in the
little writing cabin. She slipped into
a shadowy corner settee and covered
her face with her hands.
Her father would find the letter she
had left, perhaps he had it even now
1t had only given him glimpse OF her
trouble. She could not bear to break
in on his happiness. Each human be-
ing held the right to personal happi-
ness, but it had come as terrible
blow, his marriage with Rose Mayor.
All summer she had seen them to-
gether and thought it merely the old
generals longing for companionship;
for the friendship of a clever inter,
esting woman. And then he had told
her, only the week before.
Tess, child, I'm bringing home
new mother to you. You've mad the
Tess had held her breath, staring
up at him in shocked surprise. Her
mother had been dead seven years,
ard she was twenty-five now. The
mood.
but father listen" she pleaded.
ITS hardly six months since you told
me to send Ralph away because you
could not spare me-"
Nonsense, my dear. That was
merely an excuse. He was not a suit
able husband for you"
He was the man I love- Suppose
I say now I do not think Rose Nay
lor a suitable woman to take my
mothers place.
BE silent" roared the general,
bringing down his fist with a smash
ing blow on the library table, but Tess
had plunged ahead, remembering
Ralph's white, angry face that last
night in the same room.
You did, she retorted hotly.
You simply stepped in and broke my
romance up as you would a twig that
brushed your path. You never even
considered me, father. 1t was just
yourself. You needed me here to look
after the house for you, and take
mothers place at receptions and dim
ners for your friends. L never cared
for any other man except Ralph, and
mother liked him even as a boy. Why,
he was the first sweetheart I ever
had"
"Bosh." said the general. 81 don't
want to hear word about it,"
"Of course you don't. It's supposed
to be dead and buried. But it isn't.
l love him now, and I'm going away
to find him and tell him So
She had heard him call to her, but
had never turned back. And she had
never gone down to meals afterward,
or spoken to him. Alone in her own
room. she had packed her things, dis
carding only what was absolutely
necessary. Last of all she had DELHI
erately stolen down stairs and col
lected all of her mothers pictures. Not
a single one should he have. She
kissed each one with passionate ten
derness, and the day the general went
to be married she had left her home.
Once in town she had hunted up
Ralph. He was in South America.
they told her down at the newspaper
Office where he had worked. He had
gone down to look after some bust
ness interests in Argentina. How long
ago? Since March. 1t was August
now Yet she had followed that clew,
and had finally heard of him. He was
up in the mountains in Ecuador. hav-
ing worked north. And he had been
very i'll with long native fever. She
had money of her own, left her by her
mother. She had drawn every cent
from the bank. and had taken the
night boat for New York One letter
she had sent back home. telling her
father where she was going. 1t was
her last farewell to him. She had
wished him all happiness.
And suddenly somebody sat down
beside her. Before she could raise
her head arms were folded about her,
and her hair was pressed back from
her flushed face.
this?" gasped the general Upon my
soul. I've been half insane. Ralph,
speak to her
Tess opened her eyes. Over her
bent Ralph's dear familiar face, and
next him Rose MAYORS. no, it was
Rose Lancaster now. Mrs. Gerald
Lancaster Tess lips closed more
firmly, and she caught her breath in
quick sob. as she met the serene,
gray eyes of the woman who had
taken her place in her fathers heart.
Tess, dear Ralph said eagerly.
reaching for both her hands. II
landed in Boston the day you left.
You see, 1 came up for Cousin Roses
wedding. 1t seemed so perfectly
corking for her to marry your father
when. 1 had asked her to win him
over so he would be willing for US
to marry, don't you see?'
You sly dog, you" chuckled the
general.
Are you really Ra1ph's cousin 30
asked Tess, with swift contrition.
"Oh. I'm so sorry I've been bitter and
and rude to you Won't you for
give me?''
Ct understand just how you felt, |
Tess Rose knelt beside her. her
arms around the girls waist. IF you