The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-15
EVENING STORY
An UnSent Letter,
(By Susan e. Clagett. }

Jim Chapman started as the front
door slammed, then he muttered in
evaporation:
TO think I should come to this
from a little touch of fever! Nerves!
l thought 1 had no nerves"
AS a matter of fact, it had been a
severe attack of typhoid, with so lin
gering a convalescence that his ply
s1cian ordered him to return to the
empty old house in New England that
had been his boyhood home if he
wished to regain his strength.
You can send rugs and furniture
for two rooms" said the physician.
The rest can be furnished later.
Your man, William, is a good cook
and can care for you until you secure
a housekeeper. 1t is your best chance
Tor health, Jim, and go you must"
To the last he hao protested, but
without avail, and now he had been
in the New England village for
week, literally confined to the house,
as he had broken his ankle upon his
own doorstep.
Seated in his sitting room he looked
helplessly around as doors and win
dow blinds banged. A gust of wind
blew thru the room, scattering pa
pers in all directions. He made a
movement toward his crutches but
could not trust himself and sank back
into his chair with a savage word.
Where in the devil is William 2"
That fellow is never where he's want
ed. Ill-'
Will L answer" a pleasant voice
asked, and without waiting for a re-
ply blue-gowned figure crossed the
room, hastily secured the blinds and
closed the windows.
Il saw William ahead of me as
was blown thru your front door. He
had something in his arms that was
giving him trouble. Here he is Good
gracious"
Jim turned his head as his man
came into the room carrying a kick
ing, squirming bundle which he put
hastily down.
Sure, Mr.. Jim, 1 hopes you'll never
send me again for such a little tiger
cat. She wouldn't walk, and when
carried her, all the thanks 1 got was
kicks and scratches. Whatever are we
going to do with her?'
I don't know, William. Perhaps we
will see light later on. L think some
tea will give me strength to face this
catastrophe. Miss Hill, L am sure,
would like a cup, and don't forget a
glass OF milk for your tiger cat"
L amt no tiger cat" came with
suppressed sob from the small being
on the hearth rug.
Jim looked at the child with curious
resentment, but Miss Hill, who had
been listening in undisguised amaze
ment, came forward. "Of course not
dear. Jim and William were just try
ing to be funny" As she talked she
had removed the child's wraps and
now lifted her to her lap. why, what
have you here?" feeling something
move in the little girls dress waist
Slipping in her hand she brought to
light a coal black kitten.
Its my good luck pussy. Daddy
told me L could bring it," she said
chokingly. "Oh! L want my Daddy.
want my Daddy, He didn't call me
tiger cat,' and the child burrowed
her head in the lace at Miss Hills
throat.
The two gfown-ups looked at each
other in silence as she sobbed herself
into a heavy sleep. Then only did
Kate Hill speak.
What is it all about, Jim?"
He silently handed her a letter and
she read:
Dear Jim-When this reaches YOU
1 will have passed into the unknown
country. Because of the closeness of
our friendship l am sending YOU the
delight of my heart. Her mother is
dead and she has not a relative in the
world. l leave a little property that is
well invested sufficient for her needs.
Am too tired now to write more.
Yours,
VI.
That came this morning, and 1 sent
William to the station, altho 1 did not
expect the child. Evidently she was
expressed at once. Poor Tom, He
went to Colorado hoping the change
would prolong his life
Poor little waif." she said softly,
Il would take her home with me, but
am going away this afternoon. l can
! help you, however. My housekeeper' s
sister has lost her child. She needs a
home and will suit You. 1 will send
! her over"
Thank you. Did you say you are
| going away? This is the first time |
have seen you and 1 have the storm
to thank for the glimpse. The thought
| that L should find you when this con-
| founded ankle let's me get about has
been the one comfort 1 have had thru
out this lonely week. Can't you put it
J eff? he asked boyishly.
| She shook her head, then laughed.
DO 1 owe this sudden popularity to
your aversion to loneliness, Jim, or TO
the child ?'
ITO neither, Kate" he answered so
| berry. II wanted to see you for old
times sake. We used to have some
| pleasant days together and / hoped we
might return to them. | will be your
neighbor for many months and the
sooner we forget the years that lie
/ between now and then the better"
I'VE shall talk about it when come
| back she replied evasively- For
the present, think this child should
| be IN bed. 1 will carry her upstairs if
YOU tell me where she is to sleep, and
will send Hannah to you Immediately.
| ION the lounge in my old room" he
answered shortly. "She can remain
there until the woman comes.
She stood beside him for an instant
| laughing down into his gloomy face
Perhaps. Jim, may not stay as long
as had intended" she said, and with
the words she left the room, the child
in her arms.