The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-12

over Mary decided to do something.
The manager WIS right. She knew
hardly anyone in the big city and GER
tainly no one well enough to go to for
upon but herself. no one to tell her
whether her plan was right or wrong,
and it was the best she could think of ,
unsophisticated as she was.
81 must do something to convince
that man that THAT there is some
body who cares for me. And it can't
do any harm. 1 can put it back at
closing time every night"
So the next morning, while arrang-
ing her wares, Mary took from its
place in the tray solitaire diamond
of carat weight and slipped it onto
the third finger of her left hand.
At first she stood gazing at its
changing color rapturously, then sud-
denly thoughtful, she started to draw
it off. What was it she was doing :?
| what wasn't hers that troubled her,
but the false significance of the thing.
| Was it right to make the world be-
lieve she was engaged when she
| wasn't?
Good morning, Miss Webster!.
Mary hastily covered her hand and
returned the greeting. 1t was the
man with the nice eyes. This time he
stopped, but hesitated as though the
close proximity Of SO much charm
drove what he was going to say out
of his head. Mary hastily turned the
stone in the ring underneath
rs there anything 1 can show
you?" she smiled.
well, L guess 1 can see for myself
the way it's spread out" he grinned.
! But you can show me anything you
like. What's the latest thing in cream
jugs?"
| Opposite counteri" laughed Mary.
|
I'll look at a pin for my grand
mother. Something black, 1 suppose
"Over in the jets. Miss MARSHALL"
wait a minute. I've changed my
mind. how me those necklaces!"
''Lavallieres, certainly"
1t took a long time to choose
Finally the young man decided upon
| one, paid for it, got his change and
put the package into his pocket. Then
he went on his way humming a merry
little tune.
Mr.. Bluming drew near. Mary
hastily turned the stone into view.
| well, Miss Mary, good-morning
Another day gone, Ell? Well, there's
always one coming. That's my motor.
Then the ring caught his eye. where
| did you get that?'
II told you that perhaps I was
engaged"
| We'll, I don't believe it." His eyes
SItlSISu. WI dl IL u say knew
where you got it, because 1 saw you
take it? Maybe, you'll think better
| now about dinner. If the manage
ment knew"-he stopped.
X Mary waited, white to the lips.
will you Gomez
| ''No.'
Then" he turned Charlie, &C
ask Mr.. Taylor to come here, please
I've sent for the store detective, u
he explained. IT'S not too late yet
though"
Mary was silent.
| Then down the aisle, still f1ummine
| the merry tune, came the young man
! who had just purchased the lava1liere
you sent for me? ?" to Bluming.
ayes And the floor manager ex-
planned Mary's crime to the store de-
tective while Mary stood as white and
still as statue of white marble
| Mr.. Taylor laughed easily. s'Why
didn't you tell him the truth, Mary
There was no need OF so much secrecy
| as all that. 1 just thought we'd keep
| it.Aas surprise-that's all. Miss Web
! ster has promised to be my wife, he
| explained to the nunplussed Bluming
| land told her to pick out the ring
she liked best today. Is that satisfac-
| tory?"
| And noting a steely glitter in the
young mans eyes, Mr.. Bluming apollo
giZed and withdrew. = Copyright
1915, by the Mcclure Newspaper Syn
| dicate.)