The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-22
The Evening Story
The Matter of a Name.
(By Earl Reed Silvers.)

written the words, "Ill see you at the
dance. Gertrude
Shrimp frowned. He knew a good
many girls, but for the life of him, he
couldn't think of single Gertrude
among them. The package was post
marked White Plains, N. Y, but his
made the mystery only more battling.
He didn't know a single person in
White Plains. However, he ate the
candy with relish and resolved t. ask
the first name of every girl with
whom he danced.
At the house party preceding the
prom" he examined the fair guests
with unusual interest, wondering if by
any possibility the one who had sent
him the candy was among them. seat
ed directly opposite him at the supper
table was the prettiest girl he had
ever seen. In Shrimp's estimation she
overshadowed all the others about as
a white rose would overshadow
bunch of dandelions- His heart Went
out to her and he resolved to DO ms
level best to give her GOOD time
during the weekend. He was glad
that his own partner had disappointed
him at the last moment-it would
leave him free to devote hlmsei1 10
the stranger. So directly after sup
per he presented himself for introduce
ton.
This is Miss Huntley of White
Plains" the chaperon announced
Shrimp's heart stood still. The
blood raced at double speed through
his six feet two inches of manhood.
I'm delighted to meet you" he
stammered. "I didn't know any one
was coming here from White Plains"
She smiled up at him
''Why not from White Plains?" she
asked. Shrimp couldn't quite decide
whether there was twinkle in her
eyes or not.
"Oh, no reason at ALL" he assured
her. Then he added, Il know a girl
in White Plains. Her name is Ger
trude.'
81 don't suppose I've met her."
There was a hint of mischief in Miss
Huntley's voice. us she to be here
tonight?''
"She--she rather expected to come"
he admitted, uneasily.
Whats her last name" Shrimp
was certain now that she was laughing
at him.
At don't know
What? You don't know"
Yes, I actually don't" Shrimp
smiled slightly at her too evident
amazement. Strange, isn't it?"
II should say it was. How do you
explain it?''
''Tll tell you all about it," he an
nounced, IF you'll tell me your first
name.''
But Shrimp was doomed to disap-
pointment. for at that psychological
moment Bill Scudder, his roommate,
appeared on the scene.
IF you want to get to the dance on
you'd better start getting dressed
now"
"All right she answered, "Tn
hurry" And. flashing bright smile
at Shrimp, she was gone.
II always thought that Bill Scudder
was a good fellow Shrimp soliIo-
quized. but now I'm a little doubtful"
His glance followed his roommate,
who had gone to the spacious porch
of the fraternity house. Il might ask
him what her name is" he thought
suddenly. But no." he concluded.
| ''I'll make her tell me herself. have
a sneaking feeling that she's the Ger
trude who sent the candy
| According to the established GUS
tom of roommates, Shrimp and Bill
Scudder exchanged the second dance
Il believe we were talking about
names when we were interrupted"
Miss Huntley began, as soon as they
/ whirled off together to the tune of
Evelyn" You were going to tell
me about that Gertrude, from White
Plains
81 was" Shrimp answered, but I've
concluded not to do it until you tell
me your name"
| Wen COMPROMISED" She threw
back her head and smiled up at him.
You tell me the story first, and then
1
Two days ago. Shrimp began. st
received box of candy from White
Plains In it was a note from a girl
named Gertrude"
An old flame, perhaps
| mo, L haven't any old flames" He
shook his head positively.
| What did the girl say in the note p
| That she d see me at the dance
And you haven't seen her vet?''
81 don't know" Shrimp's eyes
questioned her. What do you think %
"Oh, I think you'll meet her, all
right" She hummed softly. This is
wonderful dance. isn't it?''
The music stopped and Shrimp led
his partner to the porch of the gym
nas:um.
You haven't told me your name, -
he reminded her.
Did 1 promise to tell your" There
was teasing light in her eyes.
You just bet you did You prom
ised to tell me your first name
Well" She hesitated. and the mu-
sic for the next dance floated out to
them. MY first name is Doris"
"Oh!" Shrimp's face registered dis
appointment Honest Indian?'
Honest and true" She looked at
him with mock seriousness. Are you
dreadfully disappointed ?"
/ Yes" Shrimp spoke dejectedly.
81 had set my heart on your being
Gertrude
"And you thought I had sent you
the candy?"
.'1 had begun to hope so.''
well, I'm sorry" She smiled.
You don't look sou
Bill Scudder, glancing through the
open door saw them.
This is my dance, Gertrude" he
called.
so it is! Goodbye, Mr.. Black y
She chuckled as she noted "Shrimp's''
look of amazement. I'll see you at
~ -
well. what do you know about
that!' Shrimp watched until Scud-
der and the girl had disappeared.
Some one is having a lot of fun with
me- he told himself.
/ He waited impatiently for the nine
feenth dance n come around