The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-15
The Evening Story
Ruth's Tea Porch.


( Ruth's Tea Porch.
(3y Belle K. Maniates.)
Back from the street in tho midst
Of hundred oaks stood the old CO.
lonial house. bearing even In its dilap-
dated state an aspect Of its former
glory. The pride Of it, occupants, now
reduced to three in number. had been
steadily maintained ana fostered by
Miss Mehitable and Miss Angelina. So
and So years old, respectively. They
were content to subaist ON scant xations
and the memories Of bygone days,
but their young niece, Ruth. secretly
rebelled at the stagnation OF household
conditions.
One day Mis- Angelina yielded to
the oft-repeated request OF her older
sister to consult DR.. Perry, the family
physician. He prescribed six months
in the mountains of the far West. Mias
Mehitable sought Ruth to tell her the
doctors ultimaturn.
you must both co." declared Ruth.
but we have spent all our income
for the year already"
Then you must draw from the
principal. You go and consult Mr..
and l. will go and zee Mrs. Pankey
about coming to stay with me. She
will be glad to share the work for
her lodging and board"
The proposed arrangements were
quickly contaminated. and when ono
day the train had steamed westward
bearing the fluttering little ladies,
Ruth walked home from the station
with Mr.. Robbins, the family lawyer.
How much money did Aunt Mehit-
able, draw from you?" asked Ruth.
'Six hundred dollars."
Then must earn 500 each month
while they are away"
''Earn!" gasped Mr.. Robbins. :,
since the Mineral Springs were To-
Gated in Waterford the hotel has had
ezs sgssts ts 4 seg, sr, tase n ssss
opened now. shall bring down the
old mahogany, bedroo set from the
attic and put 1t in the back parlor and
rent, that suite and the living room.
Upstairs there IL the guest room, my
room, and then can serve tray break
fasta.'' -.
Miss Mehitable would never con-
sent to a Randolph earning money
mo: shall do It without her con-
sent. She need not know.
When they reached the hotel Ruth
went to confer with the clerk, who
gasped at the offer Of rooms. At the
| entrance to Midoaks she met the fam
4 lily doctor, to whom she outlined her
plan. S@
II was just on the point of asking you
| II you would house my young nephew.
| "Of course I WILL. assented Ruth.
| "He has been overstudying for the
law I advised him to become an I'M
derstudy to Nature. thought you
| . consideration and he could help you
about the place."
"If he viii keep the front lawn
moved and milk the COW and help in
the garden he may have lodging and
board free.'
| "I'n bring him over tonight. Is
promptly replied the doctor.
I Ruth and Mrs. Pankey spent the
day in preparing the rooms It was
| early dusk when Ruth stopped work
and donned fresh white muslin In
honor Of the doctors nephew.
| He was very enthusiastic over the
proposition Ruth related to him for
lreplenishing the scant treasury.
| why not go in on q bigger scale
and make more money!? he asked
How could II" she asked eagerly.
Serve funcheons and tea at little
1 tables on your porch. They are max
ing good roads between this place and
the city. 1t will be q favorite motor
ing point"
| Her commercial instinct thoroughly
awakened, Ruth proceeded to develop
] this plan. Within q week all available
rooms in the house were rented to
dodgers. who eagerly embraced the
proffer Of tray breakfasts.
The doctors nephew, Ban Markell.
informed his city friends Of the porch
teas. and they found it most entranc-
ing to sit on white-columned veran-
da at a little table covered with the
finest Of snow-white fabrics. graced t.y
old-fashioned garden flowers. and
partake Of fragrant tea. served in cups
A beautiful. busy. profitable sum-
mer followed, Sundays standing out a.
red-letter days. Each weekend
/ when Ruth went to Mr.. Robbfns' Of
flee to deposit her profits, she felt a
little thrill Of achievement.
late in autumn. this life has con-
4 vinced me should make . mediocre
lawyer. I am going to change my
profession. Do y0u-waut me-to
leave"
'.N-o," she stammered blankiy.
j ct have q plan which has been ma
terialixing ever since the night I came
May I tell your"
His plan made her heart beat with
excitement. but she feared her aunt'a
opposition.
i The next mornings mail brought a
letter from Miss Aehitable. '.Ange-
lima" she wrote, foolish child, u
married. At the boarding house she
!. met a rancher. He persuaded her u
elope. I am quite upset. Am start
ing for home tomorrow.
81 shall go to the junction and NEE,
} her." decided Ruth That will give
all the news"
you are all have left now
Ruthie,'' said Miss Mehitable Wher
her niece came aboard the train.
] II havo something to tell JON, BE-
gan Rata blunf1y. - she btaced 6o1