The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-15
The Euening Story
The New Girl.
(By Earl Reed silvers.)


to say goodbye to his mother and
sister.
How long will you be gomez"
About two days I speak in Kings |
ton tomorrow morning. and maybe in
Rhinecliff in the evening. I'm not
sure about the latter date, though"
Come home as soon as you cam"
his sister advised. II hear that a new
girl has moved into the house across
the street,
Tom looked interested.
Know anything about herr"
NO, except that she comes from
along the Hudson somewhere. and is
said to be something of a wonder"
''Um. Tom glanced at his watch.
Well, I must be going Don't ex-
pect me home till you see me-"
He paused for moment on the
front steps and glanced at the large.
colonial house opposite. moving
van was backed up against the curb.
and an attractive woman of middle
age, wearing a heavy fur coat. was
directing the removal of the furniture.
IT wonder where the girl is" Tom
muttered. Then he hurried down the
avenue. and forgot all about the new
arrival.
He spoke in Kingston the next
morning, and finding that it was nee
essary to visit Rhineciiff for an even
ing lecture, he decided to cross the
river, which was frozen from shore to
shore. But upon reaching the bank
he met with difficulties.
THE ice is too soft for crossing" an
old man, evidently a trackwalker. told
him. IF you try to do it, you're liza
BILE to get wet
II have to get across there this aft
ernoon," Tom answered. And mean
to try it,
well, suit yourself. Only you're
taking an awful chance
The old man was evidently Sinrere
in his admonition, and Tom hesitated.
AS he stood debating, young girl
with eyes the color of a clear Octo-
Der sky. appeared around bend in
the road. She carried a suit case and
seemed to be in hurry. She ad-
dressed Tom directly.
Are you going to cross the river ?"
she asked in voice which droned
softly.
Tom instantly decided that he was.
why, yes; are you?" he answered.
II must get across in order to catch
the O'Clock train for New York"
Her eyes glanced over the ice inquir-
ing1y. IT'S safe, isn't itt''
About as safe a young chicken
in a den of Ions" answered the old
man, with what he considered grim
humor. IF you try to get over there,
You'll get wet"
The girl frowned
Il must get across"
~ must l. ION picked up MS
own grip. This joy killer says it isn't
safe, but think it's all right. If you
want to get over, I'll go ahead and YOU
can follow. Then, if I fall in, you
don't have to go any farther. You
can beat it back to shore
itated.
Il don't think so. Anyhow. we can
The girls eyes sparkled.
All right" she said. GO ahead"
You'd better let me carry your suit
case, and you take this bag
In making the exchange, Toms
hand touched hers for just an instant.
He thrilled pleasurably, and she
smiled into his eyes. He stepped out
upon the river, the girl following. Near
the shore the ice was thick enough
to hold them easily, so the leader of
the expedition attempted conversation.
This is lots of fun he began hope
fully. DO you live around here ?"
No. not now. I've moved
VERY far?"
"a hundred miles or so''
quite a distance. Doesn't happen
to be near New York, does it?
yes, pretty near
UNI" There was a short silence.
My names Tom barrow
'fIt is?"
You do?"
Yes"
Tom looked around. but as far as he
! could see his companion was not max
ing fun of him.
Maybe we'll meet down there some
time" he suggested.
| Maybe we will
| Tom glanced around again; he
didn't quite understand the girl fol-
lowing in his wake. Suddenly the ice
gave away, and he only saved himself
| in
able contortion act.
oud better keep your eyes to the
'front.', the unknown warned him.
You almost fell in then
can't talk to you and look ahead
at the same time. Maybe it would be
better If you walked beside me-
Il don't think SO; the ice is getting
thin now. Look out.''
This time Tom sank almost to his
knees.
you want to go back ?''
NO; let's see if we can make it"
Advancing cautiously across the
| channel of the river they managed
| to reach the firm ice near the farther
| shore. From thence it was an easy
matter to proceed to the bank.
I'm very much obliged to you" the
girl said, after Tom had handed her
the suit case. "'I should have missed
the train If it hadn't been for you
NOh, that's all right Tom gazed
for long minute into the blue of her
eyes. will you tell me your name %
he pleaded.
why do you want to know" She
looked at him naischievously.
| Because some time we may meet
again"
| '-And if we do?"
Then we can be properly intro
duced, and maybe I can come to see
you
MY name" she paused for a mo-
nent, srnfling-'is Doris Stanhope"
And your address,"
Il don't think I'll tell you my adj
dress" She seemed to be only half in
earnest. so Tom persisted.
It live in Railway, N. J." he said
Now tell me where you live