The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-06-18

to him weeping, and SO they were mar
ried. 1t is said that the mirror of
Koson still holds it's charm to recon-
cile estranged lovers Sen Aru smiled
mystically.
Lynn looked sharply at the Jap
anese.
rs that why you recommended the
mirror to 90 he asked quietly
1T makes handsome wedding
present" reminded Sen Aru. 81 hope
you are pleased with it,"
1T is very beautiful, but it would
be awkward if it worked any magic
in this case" laughed Lynn uncom-
fortably. You see, the lady in the
case loves her husband to be-"
Only the gods understand" return
ed Sen Aru gravely.
Lynn's wedding gift reached Ruth
Chisholm ten days before the date set
for the wedding. She opened the soft
wrappings of red tissue paper, her
fingers trembling, for she knew that
Lynn had sent her something from the
Orient.
At last she reached the inner box
OF fragrant sandalwood and the mir
rcr OF koson lay before her in all its
beauty.
She uttered a cry of delight and
picked it up, gazing long at her reflec-
ton. Then. as if, indeed, the mirror
were fulf1ll1ng the old tradition, Lynn
Frary's face seemed to blot out her
own features.
What is the matter with me ?" she
cried sharply and dropped it quickly:
she picked up a strip of red paper
covered with stiff handwriting.
With slowly whitening cheeks she
she read Sen Arus polite letter, telling
her the tradition of the Koson mir
ror, and regretting that his much
honored friend, Lynn F'rary, appeared
sick and ai1ing. And with MANY
phrases and many subtle hints as to
the i'll health of mis- American friend,
Sen Aru closed his cheering epistle
to the bride.
Ruth Chisholm, most unhappy of
brides, dropped her bright head down
on the mirror and sobbed
Lynn Frary, recovering from a real
illness, sat in the Veranda of his bung-
allow and enjoyed the delicate scent of
CHERRY blossoms from the lane beside
the house. 1t was April and the air
was soft and balmy
He was thinking of Arthur Merwin
and his bride. Probably they were
spending a honeymoon in Europe. He
wondered If Ruth was happy. Mer-
win was not bad chap and he had
heaps of money, and that seemed to
count more than anything else nova
days.
So absorbed was he in his bitter
thoughts that he did not hear the
patter of ricksha runners, and only
the sound of Sen Aru's wooden clogs
aroused him.
Lynn greeted his visitor cordially.
but Sen Aru waved aside an invita-
ton 20 enter.
You would remember the legend
of Koson?" he asked politely.
Lynn nodded impatiently.
Sen Aru waved his hand toward
the path.
TT is true that legends repeat them
selves. Behold, my friend -
He vanished down a side path, but
Lynn didn't notice his departure. He
saw only Ruth Chisholm coming up
the path toward him, with eager,
outstretched hands. In the rear, talk
ing in her voluble way with Lynn s
house servant, was Mrs. Chisholm.
Lynn cried Ruth, putting her
hands in his, I've found out my mis-
take in time Is it too late for you to
love me now? ''
1T would never be too late for that
sweetheart he said taking her into
his arms.
Sen Aru smiled at Lynn across the
counter of his shop.
Il wish to send a wedding gift to
your bride, my friend" he said. but
not a mirror-you need nothing to
work magic now"
You have given us the best gift in