The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-20
The Euening Story
A Mistaken Goal.
(By Mella Russell McCanun

u.
Constance Moon had written home
from college that she was engaged to
a certain young rhetoric instructor
It sounded harmless enough, surely,
but to Mary it spelled tragedy.
For Mary herself had married young
and rashly Five years she had lived
with John Moon Then, after mark
edly protracted spree, he had merci-
fully died. Then and there, she had
vowed manless existence thence
forth. She had three dollars IN mon
ey and a two-year-old baby girl, but
she had something else as WeliIa
fierce determination.
At first she worked at anything she
could get to keep them alvie. But she
had a fair education, and, after
while, she managed to secure a district
school. She made an excellent teach.
er. Bitterness had hardened her
sharp corners, so that bad boys found
them difficult to get around. The d.
rectors liked her and raised her pay.
She saved money fiercely. For, by that
time, she had made up her mind to
climb high in the teachers profession.
Little Constance used to play quietly
in a corner of the schoolroom. Coun-
try air and country fare made her
sweet and rosy. She was the one JOY
of Mary's heart. After three years
Mary had saved enough to pay for
one year at a normal school, and
housekeeping in one room Constance
attended the training school kinder
garten, and played about the campus,
and, on rainy days, accompanied her
mother to classes. She was great
favorite in the old gray halls 1t was
a delightfully."- serene, sane life, IN spite
of hardships. At the end of the year,
although her money was nearly gone,
Mary had made up her mind to stay
She sought out a certain kindheart-
L. 4rs,-
and stated her case. The professor
and his wife agreed to house Mary and
Constance, Mary to assist with house
work, and act as sort of governess
for the numerous PROFESSIONAL off
spring out of school hours
Three years more, and Mary had
finished her course. She got her life
certificate and a good position. Her
goal was reached-independe Her
vow of manlesS existence was now
insured Moreover, she had obtained
for them both something priceless,
something approaching real culture.
They were able to take their places
among the best in the pleasant village
where Mary's high school was located
Years ssed;-happy ones. Mary's
corners were all smoOthed down now.
She had independence, social position,
and a beautiful, sunny-natured, quick
minded daughter. Constance finished
high school easily, and was at last sent
to college. Not to the little normal,
but to a famous women's college, far
away.
Mary answered the girls glowing
manner which she fancid thoroughly
diplomatic. And thus the matter rest
ed till vacation, for she knew better
than to try to influence Constance at
long range. But when Constance
finally came home, even Mary gasped
at the vision. Always lovely, the girl
was now glorified with a mist of
dreams. She was hope and gladness
incarnate. But that did not deter
Mary. She made up her mind to
break off the match, and save Con-
stance from what she firmly believed
would prove disaster.
But for the first time in her life,
Mary ran against an impossible snag.
Sometimes Constance grieved over
their arguments. Again she only
smiled, in a detached way that mad
dened Mary. Constance was well-nigh
impregnable. enveloped in the armor
of dreams.
At last Mary's cautious campaign
collapsed, and she lost control of her
self. They were cleaning their little
down abruptly with a buster, under
her mothers furious outburst. You
will break my heart, and break your
| own, too" Mary wound up.
bul you QOn Know Leonard,
Constance opposed family.
'He is a man-that's enough"
mo, mother! He is gentle, and
kind, and firm. He comes of a fine
old family
Nonsense! For twenty years 1
have fought to put you where you are.
\ lou have education, culture, and good
looks. You are better equipped to
earn money than most men. Your fu-
| ture is insured. And this is the
thanks I get"
Il want more than money, mother.
want a home of my own, and-hap-
piness- The cares that come with it
m willing to accept"
You talk like a baby!"
Constance stood up deliberately.
There was a dangerous light in her
eyes. 81 appreciate what you've done.
mother. You have been wonderful
But if choose to give up my educa-
ton and my culture and my looks to
my husband, instead of selling them in
the business world. it is my own con-
Germ. we won't quarrel any more,
mother That's all!''
And that was all. Mary pleaded in
vain against the wall of reserve the
/ glrl built around herself. Vacation
passed distressfully. Constance went
back to college for her final year,
year dragged through YEARLY toward
June and the hateful wedding.
constance was to graduate on the
12tn ana be married on the 25th.
Mary made up her mind to go on for
the events if it killed her She had
4 looked forward to attending Con-
stances graduation, but now that
pleasure was all swallowed up in grief
over the event to follow.
But Mary Moon was game. She had
some unusually pretty dresses made
and paid an extravagant price for a
suit and hat She bought smart
trunk and bag and all the necessary
travelling accessories For she had
| been invited to stay at the home OF
the groom, and she resolved to make
a creditable showing in spite of the
gr1ef IN her heart She knew thai
Leonard Ames' father was old Doctor
AmeS, of Latin textbook fame and
that Mrs. Ames was prominent social
ly in the college town. They should
not he ashamed of r