The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-07-08

GRADUALLY The mysteriouo wonder Of
spring came over her. Something. al
most pain. Stripped her heart. She
| shut her eyes and stood swaying dr.
silly. The soft, warm air. the exquisite
smell OF the flowers, an oriole nearby
with its clear sweet call! The wonder
Of everything! Unconsciously she put
her hand to her breast. What was It.
this queer tugging at her heart?
The years had passed in solemn array
since the time Of her trouble and each
h6d It's share In hardening her against
the man whom she had once loved. Yet
to-day. here under the HIacs, memories
came rushing along in an irresistible
mood. Now that she was back past the
bitterness. the sweetness of lost days
was overpowering. suddenly she drew
herself up and opened her eyes. Such
silly nonsense for an old maid! This
foolishness Of Will and Fauny's must be
Affecting her brain! Shed soon put q
stop to all that now
With determination she marched
DOWN the road and up the path to the
Wyman's. The side door opened into
the sitting room and she made for that.
Then she saw wills horse and buggy
tied under the big walnut tree. No
wonder the girl was late!- She felt
tempted to break q switch of q near
ny BUSH But without losing another
instant she strobe into the house.
struck her. It was almost as though
some one were dead-or perhaps a we'd
Ding. The best silk quilt was spread
over the sofa. vase OF lilacs was ON the
sewing table and some tulips on the
mantle. Then in the parlor she heard
voices. She recognized Fanny's then
Mrs. Wyman'S and Wills. But there
was another heavy masculine voice that
was strangely familiar!
She felt herself growing cold and
sank into chair. I'm Slad you like
the combs, Fanny" some one was say
Ing. Il picked them up when we an
chored at Naples last time. Please keep
Voice went on. Then there are some
Things from japan. and that box came
from Egypt. And here is a set OF coral
l set great store by. Beads. q little
carved cross. earrings and bracelet, to
match little coral brooch once gave
q dear friend Of nline!"
The voice was Elmer jenkins. Miss
Adelaide gripped the arms Of the chair
nard to keep from fainting. He had
given her q coral brooch once in the
old happy days!
"How-how IL your aunt, Fanny?''
Elmer's voice went on. That's fine!
wonder. Maria. if she'd see me If I'd
60 over"
Miss Adelaide did not hear the re-
ply. She had been eavesdropping long
enough. She must get away quickly.
She flew down the path, and along
the road home. Under the lilac bushes
she stopped again. 3 Her heart was full
to bursting. Suddenly she caught an
armful Of the flower Laden branches to
her breast, buried her face in the BIOS
SONS and sobbed out the sorrow of the
years.
Fanny came home without the crock.
Her aunt was in the kitchen busy with
dinner
The girl stopped in the doorway. sud
denly remembering her errand. "Oh.
auntie. I forgot the croe 80
"Al right. dearfe. Come here a min
ute! Tell me. Are you sure you love
"Ceartinly. aunties," wonderingly.
hes the dearest boy in the world"
well. If you want to marry him, I
won't object any longer,
oh. auntie' you darling! You're just
'There-therel< 4 suppose youth want
20 tell him right away, There he is
now. yonder. crossing. the wheat field.
Ano-here. wait a minute. honeyl My,
put you're in big hurry! heard that
ms father was home. used to know
MN. He was very good friend of
mine once. You can tell Will I'd be
pleased II his father would CALL
copyright. 1914. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate.)