The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-06-17
The Evening Story
Prof. Simpsons Ride.
(By Anne Donaldson

I
Eileen's three sisters regarded the
pet of the family with disappearing
eyes Eileen was small and dark and
v1vacious; she was undeniably clever
and possessed several natural accom-
pliShmentS-a rich cOntraltO voice
that charmed the ear, the ability to
whistle like a bird, deft fingers at
Inning dainty water colOrS, turning
rhyme or drawing cartoons. Eileen
had baked at entering college-she
declared that out of four daughters
mother must have one who could help
manage the house.
So when Prof. Archibald Sampson
came to the university town, EIileen's
and prepared for conquest. Prof.
Sampson was a noted archaeOloSiSt, a
man of means, loving science and
learning for it's own sake, and a bach
elor.
Mr. WakeIee was a retired banker
with a fondness for golf and his fam
lily of girls were socially popular.
One day Mr.. Wakelee brought Prof.
Sampson home to luncheon, and Maud
and Eva and Paula prettily displayed
their stock of learning, while the pro-
fesSor only seemed interested in the
salad and beamed upon Eileen when
she admitted that she was responsible
for it.
Fancy murmured Maud after
ward. Fancy his caring so much
about his food
He is extremely good looking" re-
marked Paula regretfully.
''And quite too old for Eileen to fuss
over" decided Eva in her sharp way.
She is only a child and should be
in school" said Maud decidedly.
Mr.. Wakelee laughed heartily as
the weeks went by and Prof. Samp
sons attention to his youngest daugh-
ter became more pronounced.
81 declare. Ella he said to his wife,
II didn't believe Sampson to be
cradle-snatcher, but 1t certainly looks
that way"
"Oh, Jim. what expressions you do
USE sighed his wife. I hope Eileen
doesn't fancy him." she went on Sc
riously. He is twenty years her
senior"
HE might have picked out Maud
she's nearer his age and more his
style
That's the way it goes, dear. 1t
does seem odd, though. Such a seri-
Gus man as he to fancy our sunshiny
little girl
Perhaps it's because she is sun
shiny said Wakelee shrewdly. "She's
got him to playing tennis, the rogue
liked him especially, because he's the
only man l can beat at golf-so far.
At this both laughed.
Eileen and the professor came
across the grass swinging their
racquets, the mans well-knit form
in white flannels towering above
petite Eileen. - -s
Eileen was chattering in the most
frivolous manner and the professors
head was bent in a listening attitude
while a tender smile lowered about
his lips.
Il must warn the child-she is play
ing with fire" worried Mrs. Wakelee
unless she cares for him she
ought not to lead him on" agreed her
husband.
So he claverly captured the reluc-
tant professor while Mrs. Wakelee
dropped a word of advice to Eileen
she cried. He is years older than I
am; and besides" A lovely color
stained ner olive cheeks and her hazel
eyes became soft and lustrous with
some hidden thought.
''Besides?" questioned her mother
gently.
.'Besides-he couldn't really care TO
marry such a silly girl as l am, fin
ished Eileen, and she guessed that
her mother knew that was not the real
ending to her uncompleted sentence.
Then you must not lead him on
went on Mrs. Wakelee- Little by
little you must withdraw and not b.
Sorb SO much of his time
oh, mumsy, you know / never
could do things little by little" pout-
ed Eileen. II must disillusionize him
by one sweeping strOke-it'S my way"
Mrs. Wakelee smiled. How can
you do that, dear?"
Eileen looked very wise. II shant
tell you, darling, because that will
make you an accessory before the fact
You watch out and you'll see the
cureI"
Don't do anything reckless" eau
toned the mother as she fitted away.
The next afternoon the Wakelees'
touring car glided down the avenue
to the front gate. Eileen was at the
wheel, alone in the big machine.
She waved her hand to her family
do I'D nod
out of sight.
Il hope she will be careful"
sighed Mrs. Wakelee.
Eileen is careful driver" re
assured her husband. Even when
she's breaking the speed laws she
keeps her head
But the four women shook their
heads. Each one in her turn had
Gus Eileen's driving.
There would have been dismay on
the shaded veranda of the Wakelee
house if Eileen's family had seen
eyes.
The machine crawled down the
road, skirted the campus and over
took Professor Sampson as he was re-
turning to. his lodging.
Good afternoon" called Eileen
gayly.
He beamed upon her, hat in hand.
I'm driving up to the point she
went on. THE winds been blowing
all morning and there must be a fine
surf up there. Come along?"
VIII ?" was the a: answer, as he
gies out of my poor old head
You seem to be sorry for your
self" accused Eileen impudently-
81 have reason to be-" he sighed
gustily.
Eileen heart jumped and she threw
IN the Gluten The car leaped for