The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-07-24
The Epeni,,e Story

III - Iii
Nosma's Pexn.
(By Clarissa Mackie.)
Mrs. Blake looked at Aunt Agatha
and Aunt Agatha looked at Norma.
Norma stared resentfully out of the
window.
but. mother. can't understand
why you should pack me on to Uncle
Peters," she protested. What shall
do to .amuse myself in that smoky.
You can rub up on your music. and
Uncle Peters library II extensive. and
you can read
And take some embroidery and you
will have lovely rest" chimed in
Aunt Agatha. who was.yery fat through
much resting among pink sofa pillows.
"Restr' echoed Norma. IT don't
want to rest, mother! 1t has been ter
ribly slow here in Edgewood and just
when the Baynes are going to have the
me away to Uncle Peters for no reason
whatever
Mrs. Blake and her sister exchanged
meaning glances.
Besides. 1 wanted to NEE. that de-
lightfu1 cousin of Ltnda's-Capt- Bayne.
He has Travelled the world over and
Linda. says he is the most fascinating
man she ever met"
You will need your white serge at
Uncle Peters," g Id Mrs. Blake badly,
How about your blue linen. Norma ?"
Anything you please, mother.
agreed Norma resigned1y.
Uncle Peter looked up from his dry
scientific books and offered wrinkled
cheek to his pretty niece.
I'm glad to see you Norma, !" he said
cordially. II shall come out and play
with you by and by. How is your
golf?'.
MOT very good, Uncle Peter" adj
mitted the girl
expecting the son Of an old friend to
stop while with me-he is a fiend at
the game and has won no end Of cups.
Now. while Lizzie brings in the tea.
tell me II your mother Is still insisting
that you marry your cousin. James,"
II believe So" sighed Norma. sssI
have told her that James and are
the very two. people in the world Who
SHOULD not marry each other: but be-
CT use she and Aunt Agatha betrothed
US in the cradle. James and are sup
posed to fall in love with each other
1t is impossible!''
Why did your mother send you here.
child? Was 1t to remove you from the
presence OF some man who might prove
more fascinating than James Pinney?'s
| Norma stared at her little dried up
uncle with shining eyes. Suddenly she
clapped her hands with unconcealed
delight. Ez.s
"oh. Uncle Peter. 1 do believe. vol,
are right she laughed "Now, 1t is
quite clear to me. The Baynes are to
has talked q lot about her famous
cousin, Capt. Bayne. the explorer. you
| know. I'm something Of a hero wor-
shipper. you see. and I have been in
discreet enough to express my delight
in his coming. And SO they have
n nj I'd vvxa <%(p
Bayne. Uncle Peter, what would you
do? ?" she asked.
I'D just sit tight, my dear
chuckled the old man. who was shak-
ing with inward laughter. There is
an old saying, He laughs best who
| me about Cousin James. Is he to be
at the house party?''
"Of course. Linda thinks James is
perfect. Uncle Peter. I'm beginning
to believe that they in love with
each other"
Yes. wouldn't it be lovely for me
| II they were?''
| And spoil I'll the plans OF your
mother and aunt?"
They wouldn't mind after a bit;
besides, Aunt Agatha thinks Linda is
dear. After she became used to the
idea she would love Linda for q
daughter-in-law."
Let us hope they will fall in love.
Meantime, Norma, will have an
other cup Of tea"
Aunt Agatha and Mrs. Blake were
| sitting in the sun parlor one Novem-
Der afternoon several weeks after
| Norma's Punishment. Aunt Agatha
was resting among pink sofa pillows
and Mrs Fake was reading aloud
| from Norma's last letter.
The dear child seems to be having
a pleasant time." said Mrs. Blake
complacently. as she folded the letter.
She says she spends most OF her time
on the links with Peters friend-she
doesn't mention his name. but pre-
sumo he is sO-le elderly chum Of Pc
ter's. 1t does seem too bad to have
sent her on with a lot Of old foRfes
when Capt. lyme only stopped here
one day and then went on to other en-
gagements. They seem to be having a
lovely time at Linda's"
so James lays, remarked James's
mother. Il am surprised that he IL
contented to stop so long when Norma
is not there"
Il Mrs.. Blake looked uncomfortable.
| Agatha. she said to her sister In q
low tone, II wonder IL you have no.
ticed that James and Limos" she
paused uncertainty.
| Aunt Agatha's round blue ewes vere
lifted solemnly.
"You mean that James and LINDA
are growing fond OF each .ther?'' she
asked bluntly.
Mrs Blake nodded 1T seems un-
! fair to Norma t. send her away and
; let Linda-you understand 20
Mrs Pinney did underss and I'VE
must write ana tell Norma to come
} home at once" she decided
Il wrote and called h.r home last
week." confessed Nrs- Blake. land
she refused to comen
Refused %
Yes-said she was having Z lovely
time and she has promised Uncle Petel
: to remain until the first
How can she enjoy herself surround