The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-01-01
EVENING STORY
A Double Anniversary.
(By Susan Eddy.)


weekly paper-and one letter from his
thramp thru the snow to the postof-
flee.
Old Mrs. Crane had brought IN the
lighted candles and piled an extra log
on the fire, SO :. that the low-ce1led
kitchen was aglow with rudy light;
while the smell of stewing apples and
the song of the tea kettle, which hung
from the iron crane, added an air of
comfort to the room.
Taxes, amt it? ?" said Mrs. Crane,
whose eyesight was not SO good as it
had been.
mo, it amt taxes" mechanically
uttered her son, still intent on the
contents of the envelope he had just
torn open.
well. then, it's a letter from your
Aunt Sophriny, out on Long Island,
asking for money"
mo, it amt said Ethan. "It amt
letter at all. It's just card; Miss
Angela Hanna. At Home. January
1St.' :"
La said Mrs Crane. "she wants
you to call there
Get OUT said Ethan, with a sud-
den access of sheepishness. why
should l go there?''
We'll, why not?" asked Mrs. Crane.
Its what the city people do, I'm told.
They make a big cake and draw
pitcher of cider and set down in their
best clothes to see company. Angy
Hanna is dreadful enterprising; she
means to lead in the fashions
Am I to call there?" asked Ethan.
Why, of course said his mother.
what else does it mean? Miss An
gela Hanna-at home
shes at home most days, amt
she?' said Ethan musingly There
was never anything of the CAD bout
in Angela Hanna that 1 ever heard
Of
oh, but this here's new kink," ex-
claimed Mrs. Crane. An extra-special
day for calling-don't you see?'
I'd calculated to take the oxen to
Snidge Hill and grub stumps out of the
clearin' on New Years day. said
Ethan.
The next day will do just as we'll
for the stumps," said Mrs. Crane en-
couragingly. You might as well be
out of the world as out of the fashion"
Deacon Perkins received one ofNMiss
Hanna's cards and SO did Squire Hart.
In fact, there wasn't widower or old
bachelor or eligible swain in all Fair
view who was omitted from her list.
Il amt as young as I was" said
Miss Hanna to herself. It's high time
1 took steps to establish myself
So she hung fresh muslin curtains at
the windows, made herself a new gown
according to the latest fashion plate,
and prepared for the festive initial day
of the year.
Miss Angela Hanna had just passed
her five-andfortieth birthday; she
was stout and rudy, with the very
best set of teeth that the Fairview dem
fist could supply, and a perpetual
smile riVeted on her lips. She was very
tired of living alone and sewing on
vests to earn her pin money, and she
had 6afo od ritz IIar
casion, to make a bold stroke and win
She attirea~A srsen on New Years
day in aAgreen gatin dress. cut low in
the neck and short in the sleeves, pin
ned a bunch of holly at the left side,
and puffed her newly tinted hair in
the most Ella borate style. 2S&
II do declare said Miss Angela to
herself. Il don't look a day over
twenty M
Deacon Perkins was the first to ar
rive, an old, bafd-headed man, with a
complexion of leather and the keenest
of twinkling black eyes.
Il got a letter from you, Miss Han
ma said he. 81 s'pose you want to
suit me on business"
La, deacon, what a very strange
idea,'' giggled Miss Hanna. mo, in
deed! I only wish to promote socia-
bility during the festive season.
| well. then, I guess I'd better be
goin'," said the deacon. IT haint no
time for no SIGH foolery."
Don't be in hurry, deacon urg-
ed Miss Hanna. ct do wish to consult
you
About what?" frowned the deacon,
looking obviously at the purple Shout
ders and arms of the lady.
Marriage said Miss Hanna.
''Would you advise me, dear deacon,
to commit my future into the hands
1 rNf n. fI7a
/ Eh!" said the deacon. Had an Of
fer?,'
i YES" said Miss Hanna, driven by
i his directness into an absolute lie.
Iss Then, if I was you said the dea-
iseon .Td accept IT, cause it ain't
likely you'll have many of EN-
1 Miss Hanna eolored under all the
rice powder.
But, deacon, she stammered
what if I don't love the man? What
if I love another who
Then don't accept him." said the
deacon; but, suddenly becoming cleo
trically aware Of his danger as Mis-.
: Hanna moved her chair a little closer
/ to his, he added, MY horse is gettin
7 dreadful Uneasy outside. I guess II
Hanna took up the plate of cake
don't never eat nothin' except a
regular meals. Good mornin'!''
And thus the deacon escaped.
Eth! What's that noise? If it's tn,
cat jumping at my canary again-bu
it sounded more like some one laugh
ing and cats don't laugh. Who's tina
comm up the walk? Ethan Crane,
do declare! Well, he's a likely youns
fellow-not as rich as Squire Perkins
maybe, but Oh, come in, Mr.. Crane
Come in. I am so glad to see you
Lovely day, isn't it?'
Ethan Crane sat down with his ha
in his lap.
81 received your card, Miss Hanna
"Oh, did you!" said Angela, with
. smile.
ITO tell the truth" said honest Eft
han, "I wanted a little talk with you
Indeed" said the lady. won
you come here and set by me on tn
sofa? It's more socia ble-like.'
'Oh, yes, if you like" said Ethan
L,