The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-09-15
EVENING STORY
Farewell to Thee"
(By Earl Reed silvers. }


Il don't think that 1 can ever care
for you in just that way, Dick" The
girl spoke softly, and there was d
certain wistfulness in her eyes. You
see, I'm different from most girls. Dad
and | have lived together for so long
that 1 shouldn't know what to do if L
didn't have him to look out for"
But you can still have him." Dick
Garrett persisted. He can live with
US and you can look out for him all
you want to-
mo, Dick. Dorothy Hayden shook
her head I think that I've given him
so much love and care that l haven't
any left for other people,"
But you have right to marry
Surely, you believe in it, don't you?''
1t isn't a question of right or be-
lief, she answered. Il just don't want
to, Dick
Music sounded from the ballroom Of
the Country club. 1t was Aloha De, -
the waltz of waltzes. The man rose.
Are you sure you know your own
mind, Dorothy" he asked.
Sure" Her eyes wavered before
his searching glance, but her voice was
: firm.
Small lines appeared about Dick
CARROTS lips, but he tried to smile.
The orchestra is playing Aloha
| o. he said. do you mind dancing
with ?'
Il should love to-"
|
the big ballroom. On a slightly raised
platform in one corner, an orchestra
was half concealed in a maze OF
spreading palms. Dreamlike, the mu-
sic floated across the floor. Dick and
Dorothy danced silently, the girls eyes
half closed, her left hand resting with
hint of caress, on her partner
arm. The weirdly sad music seemed
like living thing, so subtly did it fiji
in with the mood of the two dancers
I21rf I,a e-xr
Dick, stepping back, looked search.
ingly into the girls eyes. In theil
depths he discovered light which Sc
his heart to beating wildly. Without
word he led her to the Swallowed ter
race.
Are you still sure?" he asked
softly.
For moment Dorothy hesitated
The charm of the music had not We
been lost, the swaying rhythm of tn
dance half intoxicated her. Her glanc
wandered to the clubhouse porch
lighted by the mellow glow of man
lanterns. AS she looked, a gray
haired man framed himself in tn
doorway, his thin face silhouette
against the brilliant background. TIL
light died from her eyes.
I'm sure, Dick" she answered "A
long as he lives. my father will al
ways be first
The deep lines played swiftly abou
the mans mouth. He spoke softly
but with a world of resolution in hi
voice.
I'm not going to ask you again
he said slowly, because l believe tina
you know your own mind But | low
you, have loved you ever since 1 me
you five years ago. 1 had hoped
His voice broke and he shook his hea,
haIf angrlly at the display of emotion
BUT m not going to say anythin
about that. Toror~ow TN going f.
accept that position in Panama.
BOAT sails IN the atteri.ooi,, and III b.
on it."
He paused and the girl caught he
breath sharply. "'Alohe Oe'F mean
farewell to thee in English" he con
unued- THAT dance was proba bly, tn
last one We'll ever have together. Blu
III always remember it, and when
ever [ hear the music again I'll thin
OF this one night with YOU" He he'll
bye e0N
For long time after he had gon
Dorothy stared with unseeing eve
into the darkness surrounding tn
Country club. The music was waite
out OF the open windows, but she di
not move. From the direction of tn
veranda, gay laughter floated out t
her, but she gave no heed.
She reviewed her friendship wit
) Dick Garrett. 1t seemed only yester
; day that he had moved to Westwooc
; a blond-haired, blue-eyed college DO,
They had gone to the college dance
together; had played tennis and gol
through the long summer vacations
t had grown up with each other unit
|, Dick had become more a brother tina
friend. She remembered his littl
acts of kindness to her father. hi
consideration. his unfailing loyalt,
: Suddenly she realized that he mean
more to her than any one else in tn
world.
A shadow fell across the porch an