The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-03-22
The EDening Story
Only a Joke.
Martha MCulloch-Willia

(By Martha NJ CullOch- WilliamS.)
You're a fine person,"
Dear mel Have you only just now
discovered it? I've known it all
along"
Thus the quib modest and the retort
courteous. Sword points, daggers, all
manner of sharp and cruel weapons
flashed metaphorically from Anne's
eyes, but John Andrew fronted them
with a debonair smile that proclaimed
him unwounded. He was armored not
in conceit, but in a knowledge of his
own enveloping transgression-nam
ly. Sinking Anne's first house party,
for whose success she was so anxious.
John Andrew hated house parties
and all their works. Still he would
not have failed her thus but for
special reaSOn-a reason that wore
skirts, flirted wickedly and was very
beautiful
Popular John Andrew had proved
aforetime to be a tempting quarry.
To put things plainly. he had played
up to the reason in great shape, ex-
actly as became a gallant and sus-
ceptible gentleman of parts, breeding
and enticing prospects.
Quite likely it was the prospects
which had made Lima Loree decide to
annex him legally. He had sensed
Ier decision IN time TO eVdde II
by instant flight. Naturally, he had
resolved later that it was the part of
wisdom not to put himself in the way
of becoming temptation afresh.
Explaining all that to Anne would
have been worse than aWkward-eveH
childish. She would certainly think
SO-and a cad could never have any
chance with her. Better seem boorish
and from the depths of a fine charity
she might take him, hoping to
mend his manners. whereas a fault
of the spirit would repel her utterly
They were not definitely betrothed
but had grown up understanding that
a match between them if it pleased
them to make it, would be enormous
ly pleasing all round. Wise elders had
put no constraint upon their incline-
lions. If they had John Andrew
smiled and shuddered to think how
easy Lima would have found his cap
ture.
Had a party-and then some
eh? q he queried jauntily. THE ban
ner event of the summer social season
according to Veritas in last nights
Clarion"
Il wonder why you troubled your
self to read about it." Anne said loft
lily. Your lofty scorn of such things
should extend to newspaper accounts
of it,
Il know I treated you badly, Anne.
Some day you shall know why 1 had
to do it
May 1 tell you right now?" Anne
asked, red spots flaming in her
cheeks. Her readiness startled him.
Il wish to heaven you would tell me
what you think it was" he an
swered.
Il don't Think know" she de-
clared. "Cowardicel You thought I'd
make scene over Lima Loree, As if
I cared, 1 begged her to announce
your engagement. When she wouldn't,
all but did it myself
Engagement To whom am 1 en-
gagged" He questioned amazedly
Anne's answer was scornful silence
See here! Who says I'm engaged
to-anybody?" he demanded. his eyes
darkening.
Nobody! But Lima had on your
ring-and paraded it constantly.
When told her 1 knew what it meant
she didn't deny.
L seei" John Andrew broke in.
Say Anne, we've grown up together
and you know me. Have 1 ever told
you lie except about trifles or in
good cause?"
''No-so please don't begin it now"
Anne returned. looking down 1T
would be as foolish as it would be