The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-05-26
THE EVENING STORY
Possession.
By Jean Olive Loizeaux.)

"And what you really want with me
T cannot IMAGINE she finished. I'VE
have done nothing but quarrel since
we met What the Thompsons thought
we would see in each other oon
know. We haven't an interest in com
mon You are an aristocrat; 1 befone
to the dear people, despite the fact that
nv family was rich once 1 like TO
earn my living. I like being secretary
here, and some day am going to nave
a real estate business OF my own
don't want to be rid Of work. nate
you for plying me-"
Ellie Harding paused Tor monene
for breath, and the young man VINO
leaned over her desk took advantages
of the moment.
81 don't pity you," he said. envy
YOU Just because you are free anu
untrammeled by foolish convention, be-
cause YOU are genuine and like your
work. you appeal to me. Ny fatner
knew yours before he died. 1 can't help
that. You needn't think that because
1 have money want to marry you JUS
to rescue you. I am the one who needs
rescue. Can't you see?"'
I'm not on the saving crew., sne
retorted, rising and putting her hat
over her dark hair. You need TO
get busy. It's a hateful slang phrase
but it will do for you. I'm obliged to
our mutual friends, the Thompsons, Tor
l.
IMMUNITY because mother has lost her
money and 1 have had to go to work.
She shrugged herself into a tan SILK
coat, refusing his aid and made ready
to march past him. They left me to
close the Office" she said tartly. and
it's pretty hot here in June. L think
YOU won't want to stay all night. Bet
ter come with me than be locked in
He looked at her angrily, but followed
to the door, which she opened herself.
Look here" he scowled. You have
scolded a lot, but tell me fatty just
why can't make you care cent for
me. Most girls are rather willing t.
go about with me. have a nice dis
position and a gilt-edged education
I am tall and able-bodied and decent
looking and have a perfectly good and
heretofore unimpaired heart. What
do you want anyway? I can make love
toto beat the band. Give me
chance to show you: You are not fair.
Any fellow should have chance
She looked him over very coolly and
hummed a little tune. 'You're-lazy,"
she drawled. You don't do anything"
Great hat! lazy! I don't average
five hours sleep night and I'm al
ways on the go. I am seeing and learn
ing! I know this old town from A to
Izzard-things you never dreamed of!
I'm going to be mayor some day and
reform it! I know society, 1 know the
clubs. the newspapers-I'm broadly fit
ting myself to do anything you like,
I grant that I'm not working at max
ing money. Why should L? Dad makes
it faster than mother and I and Sis
can spend it. We have more money
than is good for us now. And, to cap
1t all, you like making money!
She turned on him when they reach
ed the street. I'm not going to let
you go home with me, so you might
as well get your precious car and
chug home. I am going to walk" I'm
embarrassed, he swung along at her
side. They walked in a rhythmical
step. both tall, both free and graceful
in movement.
Even in big. sweating, rushing.
hot crowded city. summer cannot help
being herself The sun was going down
behind the smoke and trees were green
along the edge of things. Ellie Hard
ing and Allan Footing turned down a
side street. the girl now silent. the
young man obstinately her companion.
As they reached a broader, quieter
place they passed through a green lit
tie park.
Look at me, Ellie" he commanded
suddenly, and drew her to a seat be-
meath tree. She gave him a very
sweet blue glance, as il he were a
distant hilltop and nothing to her.
whats the use Of all this? It's sirnp-
1y a fight for possession. For possess.
ston-of you. You can never hold out
You want me-and you don't know it.
You are only stubborn, you
suddenly rush and roar a clang
ana IRE engines were laundering their
way past them. The streets filled as If
by magic. Men. women and children ran
eagerly along. The fire chief dashed
along and policemen dotted the crowd
which stopped at the other side of the
little park.
Ellie and Allan followed to the edge of
the excited throng- From an immense
old frame dwelling flames shot IurfdIy
into the hot evening air. Allan gave a
to her with his hat his cuff buttons and
scarfpin.
Great Caesar, IT'S the old McGovern
place I've always know them; used to
play with the kids. Oracle and I-I'H see
If I can help. I know the house like a
book: He was off. A policeman caught
him by the arm. But he explained hotly
ct belong there" he said. There are
things nobody but me can save. Pass me
along-there's a good fellow" He thrust
a bill into the mans hand. Get the fire
men to let me in" Still talking Ellie
saw him pass into the yard through the
confusion of hose and firernen and police
the shouting and the tumult-
A fresh wind had sprung up and as
the old house was dry as finder it was
soon blazing furiously. The firemen SEEM
ed now rather bent on saving adjacent
property than in extinguishing the orig
inal fire, which seemed to be beyond
them. Ellie could not tell whether the
family had been in the house or not. A
constant stream of firemen and spectators
pressed into service were bringing furni-
ture, clothing. books, the miscellany of
house inhabited thirty years. through
lower doors and windows. She heard men