The Topeka state journal., 1914-02-28
The, Eoe,,l,,e Story


FOpukae MISS MACY.
(By A. Maria Crawford.)
Elizabeth Macy has a good timo
wherever she goes. I wonder why she
is so popularr Kitty Manir turned to
Louise Richmond questioningly. "She
isn't pretty, Is she?''
They looked across the room where
Elizabeth was holding court. She was
laughingly dispensing her charms with
an impartiality that would have de-
lighted her mother IL she could has e
seen her. and at the same time hll>d
jealous curiosity. Her brown hair was
parted and drawn low over a big FORE
head. Her eyes were blue as the sea
| in sunshine, and her white lace gown
with its touches OF sapphire velvet
showed a slight. well modelled figure.
Men like her because she is jolly"
answered Louise. ''She has my brother
Fred in tow this afternoon. yet we 10th
know that he is deeply in love with
Mary Gaines. He has probably quar-
relied with hi lady fair and gone to
Elizabeth for comfort. She adapts her
self to the individual needs of the men
about her. That is the secret of her
popularity"
II don't think so." argued Kitty
Manir warmly. Men don't always need
comfort. Why, every man in this rom
just seems to gravitate toward her as
! il they were drawn that way"
| well, she understands and discusses
things with men from their own view
point.
mo. think you are wrong again.
A man doesn't care particularly for a
! woman with a masculine viewpoint un-
less he is very effeminate himself. A
real man seeks the compliment Of hts
own thought in an essentially feminine
woman"
"At any rate, won't concede the
point that men love Elizabeth. She has
a host Of friends, but mighty few low
ers. Why don't she marry If men love
her so?"
What a question, Louise! I sup
pose she is waiting for the right nan
as I am nt w. Here comes Dick. Ill
see you again"
"You know I had an idea that Mrs
Martin was giving this big party to
| announce her visitors engagement 20
Peter" said Sidney Wilton to Eliza
beth.
II never thought Of that" returned
the girl. 1.-The fact il. I never thought
of Peter Martin wanting anything.
| HE certainly has everything but a
wife and he can pick and choose as he
pleases."
Peter is attractive. but it isn't just
to the girls, Sidney. and certainly not
gallant Of you to say that he can pick
and choose as he pleases. Here he
comes now. Don't tease him. He'll
tell us If he wants us to know.
This is my party, gentlemen. so Tor
once 1 am privileged character"
laughed the tall host, who had some
how managed to keep the spirit OF
happy youth in his brown eyes, al
though he was nearing 40. II realize
that it Is criminal to carry on the belle
of the party, and that is Elizabeth .
good fortune wherever she goes. but
would like to steal her away for Is
minutes, with your kind permission. .
"A penalty for the deedr' cried Fred
Richmond.
IAN right! What is it?''
when are you going to explode the
bomb OF your engagement to Miss
johnson. your mothers lovely visitor
say. old man. you've been a sly dog.
Out with it!''
have allowed himself the pleasure Of
getting angry II the man had not been
his guest.
"Miss johnson" said Peter with quiet
dignity. '.is engaged to mothers
nephew. That is why she is visiting
us" He offered his arm to Elizabeth.
who had flushed painfully at the per-
sonal question. Peter never indu1ged
in gossip or petty personalities.
They made their way through the
the waters Of a fountain caught the
colors Of the hundreds OF lights about
It and flashed with the tints of airy,
fairy rainbows into the clear pool BE-
low, where silver and gold fish darted
in and out beneath the lily pads.
Here" said Peter. 'is a nice quiet
place where can perhaps persuade
you to do something kind and char
.What it is?" asked Elizabeth.
mother and want You to stay with
US for dinner tonight. There Will be
Just the three Of us. Our visitor Is
going home with one Of the girls.
Il am delighted to stay. You were
so serious that thought you were go
ing to ask me to take care of some
orphan you had decided to adopt or
to do something really charitable.
always welcome your mothers invita-
tions and yours. too" she added. her
"I'I bet those fellows back there are
chuckied Peter
I you are trying to natter me for
!: orphan after all. You see have heard
ali about the little boys you pick up
and send away to be cured of diseases.
You do q lot Of good with your money
Peter What pity all rich men are
Now you are Hattering me. What's
the reason ?" mimicked Peter.
You really are very good. Peter..'
"And good men." sighed Peter, ARE
never loved by women"
Elizabeth laughed. That doesn't
;, worry you, does 1t. Peter!"
Everybody wants to be loved" re-
plied Peter evasively. sT don't like to
be personal. but IL am very fond Of
you" stammered Peter reddening.
land wonder II it II true that you
Fare going to marry Sidney Wilton. He
is q fine fellow" he added generously.
Elizabeth stole q look at the mans
bent head. There IL an engagement
| between us." Her voice was very soft
and there was tender ring in It that
was new to Peter. ssI think that every
woman ought to marry. don't want
to flutter through life like . butterfly.
, without responsibilities or the hundred
and one little duties to loved ones that
make life worth living to q woman %
L nr