The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-06-14
THE EVENING STORY
One Morning in May.
By Harmony Weller.)

with mild curiosity the vanload of fur
niture that was being taken from the
| wagon and into the apartment oppo-
site.
Il always have thought there was
more moving than dove making in the
| month of May" he reflected, and took
| a greater interest in the aroma of cof-
4 fee and bacon that was waited from
! his kitchenette than in the moving OPP
posite.
Yet, in vague unseeing way, his
eyes fingered the furniture strewn
j about the sidewalk. Unconsciously
he began to study the individual house.
| hold accessories.
Gradually, as if arising from a mist,
the great davenport seemed to hang
suspended before Changers vision and
I demand his attention.
/ Granger drew a swift breath and
| wave of emotion swept him from head
! to foot.
| That big davenport with it's flower
| ed chintz covering was the one upon
which he and Enid had sat during the
memorable evening OF their bethrothal.
| Granger drew a hand across his
brow. Bitter and sweet were the
scenes rampant in his brain. He quick
ly scanned the other furniture.
| No. There was not another thing
| from out of the dear past to remind
| him of Enid Vance's home. That dav-
export with its riot of roses had been
| snatched away and transplanted into
| other surroundings.
| OHM Granger grew suddenly tense.
| Why had that bit of furniture been
| separated from it's companions in the
home of Enid Vance? What possible
calimity could have brought about the
breaking up of the wealthy family of
| Vance?
Jenkins called Granger in to particle
pate in the coffee and bacon he had
| prepared for his master, and through
his entire breakfast John Granger pom
dered over the turn of events and the
ache in his heart grew.
And 1 thought 1 could live hap
PLY without her. he reflected with a
grim smile.
Try as he might to forget her.
Granger realized more than ever that
he had loved once and for all time.
Enid had come into his life, bringing
joy and the scent of flowers. AS sud-
denly she had left him, taking all
with her and leaving no reason. And
in his arrogant youth and pride
Granger had nursed his wound in Sc
cret, neither seeking Enid nor her mo-
tive.
But now in his more mature mind
he reasoned that he had played the
part of a weakling. He should have
sought the girl and asked her for the
truth. He knew that nothing could
hurt SO mereilessly the dreadful
uncertainty of her destiny-her reason
for leaving him without SO much as a
handclasp.
1T was a FOOL he told himself vehe-
mently. Enid no doubt needed me
more then than at any other time"
He arose from the table and once
again stood by the window. The great
davenport was not there. 1t had been
carried up With the furniture.
For a moment Granger waited in I'M
certainly revolving all things in his
mind Life meant nothing to him
with nj oh TIL
a thousand that he could trace her
through the medium of the rose COW
cred davenport? He went quickly out |
and to the apartment opposite. His
mind was made up.
There was young matron there in |
the house who was experimenting the |
moving of the furniture.
Changers sudden entrance was rather !
surprising, but Mrs. Carter found the |
intruder's face attractive and his eyes |
frank. He smiled and the little lady |
greeted him.
Il am not mad!'' he began with his !
engaging humor, but 1 have come |
to ask you if anything under the sun
or moon will induce you to sell, give or |
lend that davenport"
Mrs. Carriers eyes widened. She stood |
for moment lost in doubt Should /
she or should she not tell this stranger
the reasons why she might not part |
with the bit of furniture.
ped over and his hand rested among
the roses that rioted over the back
of the seat.
Suddenly he turned to Mrs. Carter.
Il proposed to the only girl I ever
loved while she was sitting here among
the flowers" he said, ano the little
matron was conscious of a feeling of |
swift tenderness for John Granger.
Il am sorry-more than sorry
that cannot let you have the daven-
OBJ foI1 Xii
only taking care of it for a very dear
friends of mine. She is a girl who had
been brought up in the lap of luxury
until some scandal which involved her
father deprived her of everything She
seemed to have great fondness for
this old davenport, and VIXEN the sale
of her furniture took place Enid beg
ged me to keep it for her.
John Granger had risen and his face
was an odd study in surprise, pain and
citation.
Enid vance?' he questioned quick
ly.
1t was Mrs. Carriers turn to express
establishment.
Enid Vance! Yes" Sudden COM
prehension made her smile and hold
out her hand to Granger. Then it is
little Enid whom you have loved and
lost?"
Yes" Granger said simply. IF you
can tell me where can find her you
will turn darkness into dawn-for
me-
and 1 think for Enid Mrs Car
ter told him with a soft smile. at
have always known that Enid was
trying hard to conceal some abiding
sorrow-now I realize that she left !
every bit of her old life and you be-
cause of the scandal connected with
her father
she need not have left me- Gran
ger said and there was trif1e of bit ,
terness in his voice. Ii