The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-08-25
EVENING STORY
The Courage Of Her CONVICTIONS.
(By Susan z. Claggett-)

10y susan Il. SidS6ctlJ
They were discussing the barn lance
of the evening before. At least, ta.e
of the two was talking in a mos. ami
mated way. The other said little. but
there was slight frown between her
eyes as she listened to the gossip OF
her friend.
1t had been a leap year dance and
Madeline Brook threw back her head
with laugh as she said:
1T was a success, even to the diff
cult point of proposal ] heard one
Who was the girl? I did not recog-
man. 1 laughed with him about 1t
when I claimed my dance later on"
The face of the girl on the piazza
step famed red and there was eaten
in her voice as she answered:
why shouldn't woman ask that
question? Why should she always wait
for the question to be asked of ner by
some one she can never care for? Why
should she stand by and see the love
she longs for given, perhaps, TO an
other woman when a word might turn
the mans thoughts toward her Sug-
gestion plays a tremendous part N Ire
The knowledge that woman cares
keeps her more or less before his men
tai vision. She is, in way, forced
upon his notice. I remember an Incl
dent told me by my uncle of his court
ship. Aunt Cora would not listen 70
him, apparently gave him no tnousht
think of him, give her something she
would not forget, things would 1oms s
right for him. So one night ne kisse9 y
her on the cheek. knew she wouio
remember that, he told me; Sne o,u
and in the end she married him IL
is the same with a man. A real man,
L mean He may be surprised that the
initiative has been taken from MIN,
but the girl will be more, not less III
| his thoughts, and the chances are nap
n them
Her friend looked at her in amaze
ment.
"Since VIXEN, my dear Eleanor, have
you been a believer in the equal rights
| idea-?"
Il am no suffragist, Madeline, but
cannot see why, if A woman care, she
must hide her feelings until it pleases
man to give her the opportunity &c
express them. I believe there Wouio
be more happy marriages II 4 woman
had the same right or Selection ina
custom gives a man."
And would you-?'
would you, what?" pleasant
voice inquired.
The girl went white as her frienc
arose and save her hand to the maj
who had come unseen across the grass
"Such an amusing thing" she laughed
| Eleanor is advocating equal rights
"Why not? I have always though
| women should have more latitude.
He turned toward the girl. Keep th'
| courage of your convictions, Mis-:
Eleanor. Don't let any one laugh yol
| out of them"
IT am inclined to think her courage
would desert her if she attempted t.
put her convictions to the test" Made
| line remarked drily- Eleanor is old
fashioned. Up to now there has never
been anything strongminded abou
her"
."rEe trend of thought today is sure
| ly against fashioned IDEAS" tht
man replied genially, but neverthe
less 1 think Miss Isham possesses the
courage to go against convention If she
feels it right so to do. 1t requires
strength of character to do the I'M
usual"
High praise-but as youedo not
know just what this is 1 doubt If you
would think with her"
Let me be the judge" Howard
Chandler replied pleasantly. 81 am
not one to change my opinion without
due cause"
The girl on the steps had risen
while she tells you 1 will go on" she
said with slight smile. 81 am al
ready late for an appointment"
"Wait an instant. My curiosity mus
be satisfied and then we will go.
| promised to find you,'' he explained
answering her questioning look. "Youl
veranda is filled with out of towT
guests. I saw you come in here ant
offered to bring you home. Now, Mis-.
| Madeline, what is the terrible thins
you are holding back?'
Merely the asking of a question
now considered mans sole preroga
| tive" There was a world of meaning
in the glance she gave him. 81 do no
agree with her. Do you?"
! His cool gray eyes held a hint o,
hardness as he looked at her, but hi.
| voice was pleasant. IT only know tha
I would feel honored if woman
| should see something in me that woult
| make for her happiness and was will
| ing to tell me so.''
"You beg the question. Would i
turn your thoughts toward her, sup