The Topeka state journal., 1916-11-09
EVENING STORY
BetrOthed.
(By Elizaheth shields.l


1t was two weeks before Hilda's
wedding day. She looked thin and un-
happy and a wistful smile trembled at
the corners of her mouth Dreamy
eyed, she watched her mother select
her trousseau.
You act as if you were rot inter-
ested in your gowns" complained her
mother.
ITS taking an awful lot of time
and energy reflected Hilda.
We'll, 1 neverv gasped her moth
er And I'm sure I'm doing every
thing I can to save you" Her tone
was hesitant, little hurt ''Of course
it takes time to get the finest and best
that is in the shops"
Everything is sweet and lovely"
the bride-to-be responded. But, just
suppose, mother, 1 shouldn't marry
S.1art, then what would We
Her mother turned to her, mutely
beseeching. Speech was impossible
"Oh, we'll" laughed Hilda, some
thing might happen, you know"
You're acting very much as tho
you hoped something would" her
mother gazed helplessly at her.
Half=heartedly Hilda undid the
wrappfngs of numerous bundles Both
gowns and hats were tossed aside in
an indifferent heap.
your actions are very unbecom-
ing" demonstrated her mother. You
are one of the very fortunate girls.
Think of becoming the bride OF such a
man as Stuart Dale!"
Hilda wished people, her mother in
cluded, would stop singing Stuarts
praises. During the three SWIFT
months she had been engaged, she
had listened desperately to it. None
! of her friends, had they known her
state, would have been able to find any
| possible reason for her discomfort, ex-
| cent of course that Pete O'Neil affair.
But they would have laughed at that
| town boasted Like Hilda's family,
his wealth was great. The homes OF
the parents of both young people were
the pride of Claremont. In social po-
sition, in money and fashions, every
other family in the town meekly fol-
| lowed Stuart was handsome, with
| inst the proper width of shoulders
His brow was called noble. He had a
perfect chin and mouth. His hair was
black and smooth. Immediately fol-
lowing the announcement of their en-
gagement, Hilda was showered with
entertainment. Now parties were ali
| over and the last moments were ar
IDENTIFY given over to the trousseau-
Again she picked up the filmy lace
and tulle garments. She stared
dreamily into space. Her mother
sighed.
Weren't you the least bit uncertain
about marrying father?" she ques-
toned her mother.
"I've never been uncertain about
anything after I made up my mind
to do it. Such talk is very upsetting.
dear. 1 think you must be tired out.
You're acting so strangely, Hilda."
Hilda shook her head. mo. I'm
not" she responded cheerfully. But
she left the room and the house. She
| hurried down the road towards the
shopping district of the town. She
walked along in a slowly dying sunset
that threw orange and gray and vio-
let lights on the trees She went on
| and on, wrapped in a sweetly confus-
ing mood. She reviewed the short,
eager courtship of Stuart's. They had
known each other always. Then his
feeling of companionship had sud
denly changed to a consuming devo-
ton. When he had won her the
| thrilling devotion had reduced itself,
queerly, to sort of perfectly flawless
companionship, just like everything
about Stuart. A bewildered, helpless
look flashed into her eyes. She had
expected Stuart's love to make so
much difference in her life. But it
did not She had her memories still
to combat as acutely as if Stuart's love
! was not now part of her life. She hur-
ried steadily on toward Main street
as if she would run away from the
haunting thoughts of that night long
before Stuart had asked her to be his
wife. That one happy hour. Stolen
happiness that belonged to her alone.
At this point in her thoughts her
eyes trailed upward to a familiar
sign above one of the store doors
"O'Neifs Feed and Grain Store" IL
read She had been reading that sign
all her lifetime, but she stopped now
as II fascinated at the words. Thru
the open doorway she encountered the
eager. questioning face of Pete O'Neil
She caught her lips between her teeth
, In panic she turned to run. A no.
ment later Pete swung up to her
His blue eyes Were ablaze.
So you're engaged to that fellow
Dale?" He swallowed hard.
We're to be married two weeks
from today. In the morning at 10, :,
defiantly she gave him all the details
He stared steadily into her brown eyes
! Her lids fluttered beneath his look.
lou can't marry him." he told
her. You haven't forgotten me-"