The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-07
NAME
EVENING STORY
The Meddler.
(By Earl Reed Silvers.)


(By Earl Reed Silvers.)
Are you and Oliver Crowley en-
gaged?"
Miss Mary Robinson looked squarely
into the eyes of Ruth Hampstead, her
niece. when she asked the question,
and the younger girl blushed.
of course we aren't" she an
swered What makes you think SOP
I'm only thinking what everybody
else in town is talking about, Miss
Mary remarked bluntly. IF you aren't
engaged, you ought to be-"
Why" Ruth was accustomed to
her aunt's frank remarks, and seldom
took offense
Why" The older woman's eyes
flashed. You've been going together
for two years now. None of the other
boys in town come to see you any
more, and oliver never goes to see
any other girl. If he wants to monop-
olize You why doesn't he ask you to
marry him.
Ruth evaded the question.
Cant two young people just be
good friends without bringing in the
question of marriage?" she parried.
Good friends. yes!" Aunt Mary
snorted. But it's got beyond that
point with you two"
We'll, what can 1 do?" There was
a hint of helplessness in the girls
voice, and the older woman softened.
Il don't suppose you can DO any
thing, she answered. But something
really ought to be done. You love
him, don't you?" she asked suddenly.
A crimson tinge crept over the girls
face.
Il think So" she answered hesitat-
ingly.
For long two minutes Miss Mary
looked thoughtfully into the distance.
then she turned to her companion.
If he intends to propose at all 1 can
make him do it in two days" she an
nounced. DO you want to try my
plan?''
The girl hesitated.
Il don't like to do anything that
would look like running after a man."
she said. Don't you think it would
be better just to let things run their
course?''
mo, indeed 1 don't" Aunt Mary
snapped. Il may be a meddler and all
that, but I'm going to make that man
wake up if it's the last thing 1 do"
I'D rather you wouldn't" Ruths
eager voice failed to carry conviction,
however, and her companions lips
closed in sudden resolution.
I'm going to do it," she announced.
but 1 must have your help
In what way?"
q want you to have a friend of mine
come to see you tonight
'Oh, 1 can't; divers coming,'
Have you made definite engage
ment?'
mo, not that" the girl admitted
But he always comes on Wednesday
nights"
We'll, phone him tonight and tell
him you have another engagement"
But 1 haven't" Ruth protested
You will have. I'm going to bring
Dick Slower up to see you.''
Who's hep
Hes young newspaper man from
New York who's spending a few weeks
in Glenwood, getting material Cor a
story. I've met him a number of times
in the office, and I've always intended
to have him up for supper. So We'll
make it tonight"
There was a note of excitement in
Ruth's voice. My, but he'll be sur
prised!'' she added.
That afternoon Aunt Mary paid
visit to the office of the Glenwood
Record the only newspaper IN
town. As society editor, was her
duty to write the personal LEWIS items.
Glenwood had not yet grown out of
the village class, and the news was
sprinkled with personal remarks
which every one read and which no
one took exception to. Among the
batch of items which she placed on
the editors desk was one that caused
her considerable satisfaction, which
There. L guess that will wake him
up she said.
She remained at the office until
o'clock, when a young man with smil-
| ing eyes and curly hair entered.
How are you, Miss Robinson he
asked pleasantly. Hard at it,"
Yes" She smiled back at him. Il
want you to come to supper with me
/ tonight"
I'D be delighted. What time %
| six o'clock. I'd like to have you
meet my niece"
unusually enthusiastic. 1--WE seen her
| in the street several times
| At 6 o'clock to a dot he presented
/ himself at the Hampstead front porch.
He acknowledged Aunt Mary's intro
auctions to Mr.. and Mrs Hampstead,
and then turned to Ruth.
I've seen you SO often that 1 feel
as if 1 known you already" he said.
| I've been here <or a week, now.
The girl like the way he spoke; she