The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-17
EVENING STORY
A Wishing Game.
(By Martha McCulloch-Willi

(By Martha Observation-Disclosures
Lets play wish on It's the only
way Wen ever get things" Joe said,
trying to speak lightly, but failing
rather piteously.
Leslie smiled softly. you first"
she said. Il have to be shown, you
know. Wish Ine-what you will
"Oh! First, an Easter bonnet. with
towering feather on it," Joe half
chanted, adding with a grimace,
Might as well wish you a crown"
"Got all the crown / pine fora
martyrs" Leslie retorted. Then. with
a little laugh: Joe, you were made
for grandeurs. I wish on you Paris
frock-the last word of fashion-and
all that goes with it; a motor car, of
course, and, equally of course, a hus-
band to provide it,"
'tYou generous person" Joe cried,
standing on one foot and swinging the
other. For a moment she was figure
of joy, all worries forgotten in the pic
ture of her imaginary self. only
please wish the right husband. 1
couldn't bear him if he was bald or
had a face that sat propped on a
double chin"
II must say you're over nice. Never
look a gift-husband in the mouth,
Leslie flung back.
They thought themselves alone in
their aunt's house-a big house, beau
tifully furnished, with all save love.
She gave it's shelter rather grudgingly
to those children of her sister and her
brother They were closer in heart
than sisters, as often curiously falls
out Having shelter and food, their
inherited pittances sufficed narrowly
for other needs. Aunt Luella would
not hear of their working. Her nieces,
under her protection, must make their
market in matrimony.
Through an open window came the
Whit of a fine cigar; following it, the
slight stir of one rising from rather
creaky steamer chair. Joe started
violently, whispering: THE Sultan
must be here! How did it happen, all
unknown to us?"
Game by aeroplane, most likely"
Leslie returned as cautiously. But
I'm wondering how long ago. Sup
pose-only suppose-he overheard
striking an attitude, but giggling too
much to hold it. Cautiously the pair
crept into the wide hall, up the stairs,
down a corridor, and at last won
haven in their own special wing. A
tiny window in it, almost obscured by
vines, gave them view of the piazza
outside the library, where they had
talked Yes, there sat the Sultan,
otherwise John Melton. Mrs. Ware
had told them of his coming. She
had also intimated very plainly that
he stood in need of a wife, and while
not on the lookout for one, might be
shared. Also, and further, that if he
went away scot free she would take
it very i'll as proof of rank ingratitude
on the part of her dependents.
Easy mind there. He looks too
wooden for anything. If he heard, he
didn't understand" Joe commented,
putting down the glasses through
which she had surveyed him. Leslie
caught them up eagerly. After her
look she laughed, saying, 81 think he
heard, but imagined we must be dis
cussing a new brand of religion. So
let's wish some more"
mot unless you promise you won't
wish him on me-" Joe said.
Leslie cuffed her affectionately, say
ing primly: NO fear If anybody is
sacrificed to him, behold in me the
lamb for the marriage Atari
you wouldn't take him, really?"
Joe asked.
Leslie nodded ct would, at the drop
of a hat and mighty nearly drop it
myself. The sin of it Fate would have
to chalk up against Aunt Luella. My,
that But truly, she's inviting US to
sell ourselves, in the highest moral
fashion"
I'D rather die spinster-almost
Joe said plaintively. She had the
glasses again. Through them the
piazza showed very near. Hence she
saw clearly a dog. whining. frothing.
whirling, dart round the angle of it
and leap toward the unsuspecting sit
sprang. but Joe saw only the first leap.
With Leslie at her heels she ran to
the strangers help. None too soon.
As they came upon him, he stood
tense. jaws set. hands locked about