The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-07-02

The remember that q telegram would Sc
cure the cottage for either one OF them.
When she arrived at the suburban
station Gladys saw the red-haired man
standing beside the telegraph office. She
| gasped when she saw the look OF
| triumph on his face. Certainly he had
sent q message. She ragged and nien
color flew into her cheeks. A second
later a light flashed into her eyes ana
| she stepped to the telephone and called
up the agent in New York. It was moth
ing less than an inspiration. When she
got her connection Gladys tried desper-
ateIy to calm the excitement that would
show in her voice.
Hello" she called in even tones and
realized that the young fellow listening
had drawn swift breath. This -
Miss Vance," she continued. Il want
you to secure Orchard cottage for me.
Yes. It is :ovely-just what was look
ing for. You are sure you can hold II
for me?' She put this in with a feel
ing half of dread. Thank you. I will
be in to sign for it as soon as the $3.50
reaches New York. Good-by."
| She hung up the receiver and as she
turned her eyes went straight toward
the gray ones that gave back glance for
glance. There was chagrin, admiration,
amusement and a trifle of anger In the
mans eyes and Gladys turned away
quickly lest he see the laughter in her
CIV n face.
The train pulled into the station. The
man seemed resigned to his fate az
loser and assumed great interest IN
the magazine he had purchased at the
railway station. Gladys, however. with
feminine intuition knew that he was
not in the least absorbed In fact she
knew that her own charm had disturbed
him even as his personality was inter-
esting her. She heaved. great sigh OF
discomfort. Her triumph seemed a
mean thing now that she had taken tt
from the red-haired man.
When the train pulled into the Pennsyl-
| vania station Gladys arose with a feeling
Of gloom She wondered II she would
ever again encounter him on the path OF
| life. The train stopped with Its habitual
man who kept his arm about her. even
when she had regained her balance She
| flared around toward him then laughed
prettily.
"Oh. Tom. thought yoswere strange
| man," she said.
Her brothers eyes laughed down at her.
| ing" he broke of suddenly and extended
| a joyful hand to the red-haired man. II
say, Travers, am glad to see YOU" The
two men shook hands and Tom pulled
said. introducing the house hunters.
They laughed so spontaneously that Tom
looked aSkance at them.
I'VE have quite tale to tell you," said
Travers.
An hour or so later after the three had
| enjoyed a cup of tea Tom Vance left the
| two together "It looks like the real
| thing" he said to himself as he left.
And what about Orchard cottage?'
asked Travers softly. "Shall take you
over to the office now
Gladys blushed and looked quickly at
him. Il hate to take 1t away from you.'
she returned.
TT certainly is a desirable home.' said
| Travers. He looked steadily at Gladys
as the color swept into her cheeks. isn't
it?" he repeated. "Win your sister want
more than q years lease OF ft?'
"Oh, nor said Gladys, and then she
| must have caught his meaning for her
| eyelids dropped.-(Copyright, 1914, by the
Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.)