The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-08-15
EVENING STORY
Esther's Career.
BY PAUL FAY.

tor in vocal music, in a wide-awake
western town. spoke with a warmth he
rarely showed.
Esther Moore listened with flush
on her cheek and a brilliant CLEAN in
her ewes. And as she listened, she
smiled in anticipation of the honors
she would win.
That evening Esther and Roland
Lewis went to the theater together.
For some reason or other there
seemed to be a slight difference be-
tween this and previous evenings. Es-
Their was rather restrained in her con-
versation. Roland was plainly puz-
zled. He strove to dispel the cold
ness. But he was not successful.
A light supper was no more success
full. When they reached her home
they sat down in the living room. For
while the conversation Jagged. AT
last Roland could stand 1t no longer
He spoke up impatiently-
| Esther, what on earth is the matter
tonight? You act as if you had swal-
lowed an iceberg"
She hesitated a moment, then STAN
mered out: st think we had-well.
| had better, break our engagement"
Roland did not move a muscle.
However, his face became as white as
marble; his Jaws snapped firmly shut;
his lips were a thin, colorless line.
Have you such a thing as reason
or did you forget to provide one for
| the occasion?" He spoke slowly,
| coldly.
| Seeing the result of her announce
ment on Roland, the girl was a little
conscience-stricken.
| REALLY, Roland, I did not think you
would take it that way. But Mr.. Ruff
son said I could win career with my
voice. And would you have me give
/ it up and get married ??
| mot at all. OF course, a career is a
great deal better than mere love.
wish you success in it. Goodbye"
eHe got up and went out. Esther
expected, yes, she hoped. he would
kiss her good-by. but he did not do SO.
| AS time passed Esther grew more
and more proficient in her work. Her
| teacher became very enthusiastic
about her. He introduced her into
| society, and she gave many private re-
citals. She was in continual demand
for dinner parties. 1t was the fad of
| society to hear her singing. Musicians
of note listened to her and praised her
voice.
! Thus, it was no great wonder that
the girls head became slightly turned.
She forgot her old friends, forgot
Roland, forgot everything, except that
she had wonderful and successful
career before her.
! One day Esther's happiness reached
its climax. She was invited to lunch
con at the home of the most popular
social leaders of the town. Mrs. De
Lamater was not only popular but
| wealthy. A man of foreign appear
| ance was also at the luncheon. The
| hostess introduced him to Esther as
one of the country's greatest vocal
teachers. The girl sang for him:
When she was thru, he said nothing,
but nodded his head to Mrs. De
1 Lamater.
The conversation, of course. was
| chiefly about music. The emusician
seemed pleased at Esther's knowledge
Finally. the hostess called Esther
| to her side
Miss Moore" she said, chow would
you like to study few years in New
York with Professor Rinardo?"
why, Mrs. DeLamater, I-of
course, /" The girl stopped in con-
fusion. She did not know what to
say The question astounded her
The woman smiled and continued:
OF course, it is not compulsory, but
would like to have you go. Pro-
fessor Rinardo considers your voice
exceptionally fine and worthy of train
ing. Twill send you to his school I'M
go?" D
! Il would love to-" Esther sank on
her knees beside her benefa ctress
| by winning honors in successful
career. Be ready to start Saturday
night. I will see about your ward
robe"
Esther left with her head in a whirl.
she could hardly see to walk straight.
| Thursday Esther went to the home
OF her chun1, Evelyn Ravens, to spend
her remaining time. Evelyn's father,
being clergyman, was at home a
great deal and helped to entertain his
, daughters guest
, Friday evening the girls were up-
stairs talking.
Don't you rather hate to leave
home and all the people you know %
i | Evelyn asked.
Well, sometimes I do" the 9th
, er admitted. But you know, to &C.
complish anything you must sacrifice
something. and when 1 think of my
career. l Just forget everything else'
Evelyn" Her father called ur
from the hall. "Will you and Esthe,
5 come down a minute. please?"
The ran down to his study. He
met them at the door
There is a couple here who wish
to BE- married at once" he said, "and ]
want you two for witnesses"
| They entered the room. Suddenly
Esther stopped. For in front of hel
! with a beautiful girl beside him. wa:
Roland Lewis. It was the first tint
she had seen him since the parting.
why. Roland" Evelyn cried. "Ars
you going t. be married?"
D He bowed.
RI Evelyn's father introduced the girl:
to the bride, Miss Wanda Wright
Esther acknowledged the introduction
= automatically. Her eyes went farthe,
p and fastened on the form of ROLAND
!, Lewis.
The ceremony began. But it did no
: progress far. For suddenly there wa.
a moan and everyone looked around
8 Esther had tainted
little later she opened her eyes
and saw, short distance above her
e the face of Roland Lewis He benz
/. closer. Her mind still dazed, she threw
her arms around his neck and drew
4 him down. His lips touched hers
I Then. her memory returning, she
u pushed him back and closed her eyes
: ..IEhat Ia dom. %, st,a