The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-08-05
The Eoer,ine Story

By Catherine Coope.,


When Peter Newell returned to the
parental roof after one Of his habitual
rambles through the world Of idleness
10 which he was . devotee he had
expecteo ms visit TO be short one
Tnat expectation. however, had been
formed before he had taken q walk
through his mothers gardens ON q
moonlit night In June.
There Peter had seen Mildred Vance.
At the moment his eyes had fallen
over great bed 0f snowy roses, and
her wrafthlike figure was only less
ethereal than the moonlit roses. Peter
had gasped. Beauty always brought
more or less excitement to Peters
heart. but the unexpectedness Of Mil
dred's appearance there in the garden
smote him into silence.
His mother had told him that a cou-
pie had taken the gardeners cottage,
and that the flowers had never been
better cared for.
The gardeners wife! BY 1over' NUT
and continued to watch Mildred inhale
long draughts of moonbeamed, rose
scented air There are circumstances
under which even a gardener is to be
envied." he added in thought.
Mildred hearing slight noise.
looked up and beheld Peters great
bulk only half concealed by the shrub
berry. The sight OF q strange man,
providing about the garden unnerved
her and she crumpled up in q heap
on the gravel path.
Cursing himself for a silly fool, Peter
hastened to her side and picking her
up as II she had been a child carried
her to the fountain not ten yards
away. She was like a flower in his
arms. and he carried her carefully lest
fountain he put few reviving drops
or water on her head and she opened
her eyes.
Peter loosened his arms. II am a
beast" he said finally. 1T hope you
are over your fright You seemed so
that was tempted to watch whether
or not you disappeared on a moonbeam
or by way Of your two feet. 1 am
Peter Newell"
''Vagabond Peter?'' she said quickly
and without thinking.
yes" said Peter. and laughed
"And I am the gardener's+wife,'
Mildred said. glad that he had not TAX
en- offense at her candor. I hope that
you are going to remain at home for q
while. Your mother calls you her
Prodfgal Peter and misses you dread
| fully"
"I suppose I am a waster," said Pee
ter. but you see I viii some day have
to live here en- the estate. so / aim
seeing the world while 1 cam"
Your mother loves you,'' caid the
girl simply.
Peter opened wide his eyes. Surely
none but a married woman would
have the temerity to talk to him in
so frank a manner. Before he could
make reply Mildred had inclined her
lovely head and slipped off down the
garden path toward the small cottage
that lay close beside the great iron gate
that opened the way into the estate.
| The next morning Peter awoke and
wondered If he had dreamed Of a
wraith-like form among the roses. So
undecided was he and so treacherous
was his memory that he questioned his
mother at the breakfast table.
| Yes, Peter" his fond mother told
him, ''she is flesh and blood and I'M
usually lovely. Your father and
/ ere still wandering just why she and
her husband are in the position they
are"
whats the husband like?'' Peter
was conscious of his mothers keen
| glance.
so splendid type that your sister
Is guilty of having cultivated horticul-
tural tastes 30 that she may interview
him a dozen times a day" There was
| Just trifle Of anxiety behind Mrs.
| Newelrs tone.
what! Nell in love with another