The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-05
The Euer,i1g Story
Mysterious Martha.
(By Catherine Cooper.)

My9Oek1OuS MArt09s
/ (By Catherine Cooper.)
Grayson let fall the grotesque
knocker on the carved door Of the
Miller residence on the upper east
side.
Miss Miller is not in. sir.'' said
Binks. the butler, who had swung
open the door.
II will wait" said Greyson. and
would have suited the action to the
word.
/ "Ahem!-A-Miss Miller said she
would probably be gone six weeks"
the butler informed Grayson. His
features expressed a deep disapproval
OF the errant nature of his young mis-
tress- Again. she said she might re-
turn tomorrow"
Il will not watt" laughed Gray
son, and returned to the cozy seat in
his limousine.
i Despite his effort not to feel irri-
tated over Martha Miller's absence he
found himself decidedly SO. This was
\ the third time during his ACQUAINTANCE
with her that Martha had gone off
suddenly on some mysterious trip,
Of her whereabouts.
4 The set In which Martha disported
her beauty and charm, discussed
these trips with open and sometimes
none too friendly manner. Ugly ru-
mor9 FOUND Judgement in one or two
OF the feminine gossips' tales. The
men pondered, missed Martha's dainty
beauty and ready wit, and ceased to
worry until she again quickened their
heart beats with her return.
The day Grayson called upon Mar
that he had almost decided to propose
to her. He had known himself to be
deeply In love with her for some
time, yet he feared his own vagabond
moods that came upon him as sud-
denly as the falling of a star. He
loathed society. and stood it only for
the sake Of his mother. who gave
teas galore. Yet 0rayson was con-
ventiona1 to the extent that no one
suspected his inner revolt. Martha.
Iagreable. and for her sake he permit
ted himself to be bored by the hour
ATTENDING the opera, teas and dinners.
Il can not stand them without her,
however, he told himself, az his car
whirled away from the door.
The outcome was that Grayson had
his suit case packed hurriedly and
started off on one of his vagabond pill
grimages. His sleeping bag and old
khaki suit had been surreptitiously
smuggled in the case when Jinks. his
valet, had for the moment turned his
back.
1t was a most disreputable but
happy Bob Grayson who chugged
1
still more disreputable motorcycle. Not
even links would have known that
the man was his master.
However. Grayson was happy, con-
tended and hungry as he neared the
bit of woods on the Sound that had
often sheltered him over night. He
would make a fire. broil bacon and
make coffee in a tin can and later roll
himself up In his sleeping tent and
sleep the sleep Of the carefree. In the
Ivv -
another and more remote abiding
place.
In the meantime, Martha Miller was
AZ free, contented and happy as the
man who would perhaps have pro-
posed to her had she not escaped his
call.
In a tiny, whitewashed cottage. with
not more than three still smaller
rooms. she was cooking a savory stew
over a coal fire. Her wonderful gold
the back Of faded blue gingham
dress, and she was humming a little
snatch Of some street song.
But in the tiny patch Of garden
an old man fingered over his bright
hued flowers. He was the owner of
the cottage and gardener in the Miller
family
Martha tripped lightly out to tho
wooden pump and drew a pail Of
fresh spring water. On her way back
to the old man.
David. I couldn't possibly live II
you didn't let me come down here and
share your dear little house. already
feel like a child of six, who has step
ped into fairyland. have written ten
successful stories. for which you are
to have the checks, and now am GO
ing to write q novel with you as the
hero" Martha laughed gaily and car
ried her bucket into the little white
washed kitchen.
i A great black cat was purr1ng be-
side the stove. and a canary hung in
the sunny window. On q wide deal
table lay manuscripts in joyful dis
order. and a small typewriter. A tea
pot and a heavy china cup gave evi-
dence that Martha drank tea during
moments Of inspiration.
The savory stew on the stove was
The man who had approached the
| cottage shifted 1t hungri1y and knock
{ ed third time on the door.
Martha clicked busily at her type
, writer and heard nothing save the
, voice Of inspiration.
She arose swiftly to her feet, a
second later. staring with wide eyes at
. the man who had intruded himself
BOBBY Grayson," she sasped.
"You disreputable tramp!"
Martha MilIer!" returned Bobby
wonderinsly: you ragged begEar
| ma10! HIS curiosity tueu oEOAo
hounds and he poured forth q volley
of questions.
: Martha laughed in spite Of her
wrath at having been discovered.
! .'It il just simply that detest pink.
yellow and green teas, morning musi-
Gales and society in general! fly to
this haven Of refuae when can not
stand It to be decent to people an
! other moment" Her voice trembled.
These are the only really happy
} hours have in my whole 1ife.''
Ii 1.-THE only Ones-Martha ?" Ques-
) toned Graysop looking into her eyes.
} II have been hoping lately that you
lwere not unhappy-at timea." He
} IdreW q step nearer her.