The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-10-05
EVENING STORY
ssThe Key to Da Is Heart"
By LOUISE OLIVER

"But, Daddy"
Mr.. Braidin put down his paper
again after approximately six attempts
to- read the latest war news.
Now, Jane" he expostulated impa-
tiently. shaking the ash from his ci-
gar. '.you are a nice, reasonable girl
whenever it suits you to be SO. and
quite every once in while you take
me at my word-also whenever it
suits you. Why not let this be one of
the times and stop where you are?
We've argued this thing enough now.
Let's quit and call it q day."
Now. Daddy. please don't be sar-
castle. I'm really the most seasonable
person alive. After all. when It was
important you always gave in, you
know. You merely argued for FORMS
sake. 1t was that way about the trip
to Hawaii. and the set OF Siberian sa-
bles. and the pearl necklace, and the
new cabriolet. You see whenever it
was anything big-something that
really mattered, you always let me do
as wished. So surely, when it's a
question Of husband"
III he was anything big that really
counted" began Mr.. Brailin.
Daddy"
His eyes twinkled- well. you know
what think of him, Jane. To quote
Cawthorne. He's all right, but he
won't do'-for you. Say. grille, what's
put this marrying bee into your bon
net, anyway? What do you want to
get married for? I've worked like an
old war horse all my life just SO you
and mother and I could enjoy our
selves. Pretty nice, isn't it., here?
Look at that view down there between
the trees to the lake. That view just
Poor Daddy! Really it is wonder
full. And I'll never forget it. no mat
ter where I live. I do love it here.
Daddy. But you don't understand.
You see, Dick"
And that pine grove to the right
there on that rolling slope. Listen
minute - there's a little breeze.
They've nothing like it even in Caro-
lima. Well, Jane, that pine grove cost
me-let me SEE
"Oh. don't. Daddy. I wish you
wouldn't talk that way, know you've
loye you and mamma and the house
and everything. But you don't under
stand. You see. Dick and II
Yes, understand. think" went
on her father slowly. ITS because I
do understand that I'm not letting you
do as you please this time. Richard
is nice young fellow, but he's as poor
l-as-as-as poor as used to be. And
that's going some, Jane"
We'll, then. why
AdI why / KNOW ana your
mother knows, what it Is to struggle
and get along without things. And we
don't want you to struggle that way
There's one thing 1 won't buy you,
grille. and that's a husband.1
But we don't want you to give us
any money. dad. He wouldn't have
your money, I'm sure Of that. All we
want is each other. We don't care
about money. Besides"
Mr.. Braidin put his head back and
laughed nairthlessly.
And your mother and could sit
here and be fatuously happy because
our little daughter was married to the
man OF her choice and living in riot
GUS ease in a fifty-story tenement
somewhere"
IF you'd only listen a minute, dad
dy. I'm sure you'd feel different"
But Mr.. Braidin, both at home and
In his office. was not accustomed to
listening.
why don't you listen to me instead,
JAMIE? I've had plans for you for
some time, but you are young and 1
never liked to suggest such things to
you. You'll not take to it kindly at
first. my dear. but want you to think
it over without too hasty a decision
It's about Gordon-Winters.''
Gordon Winters!' Jane frowned.
Yes He's been more than inter-
ested in you for a long time. have
noticed with satisfaction. And he's
pccII OIL SuCn unusual value TO the
company since this rush of war BUSH
ness that we're thinking of making
him partner. He'll be able to give
you a fine home one of these days
And he's young and good looking If
I were a girl. he's the kind I'd tie to.
Don't you think SO. Jane?"
"How old is he?"
About thirty-one or two, I think"
Cant be drafted, can hep" asked
Jane briskly.>
'.Why doesn't he enlist?"
ooh. you patriotic girls! Enlist?
Why should he? He's making enough
to assist the country by paying a large
income tax and he's buying all sorts
Of bonds"
Now. jamie. don't be sarcastic.
They can't all go: anyway. how about
your precious Diek?'
Hes going!"
THE devil he is! Why didn't you
say so befere?'
me-
Got a commission
Mo- He's enlisting as private"
1.-The dew But Mr. Braidin had
stopped here and began to whistle
softly instead.
How old is hep
Just past thirty-one. daddy"
Mr.. Braidin whistled again.
Want to get married right away"
mo. Not ti1l-not till after the
war. when he can make = home for
me-
Mr.. Braidin Strengthened up. Jane,
come here" severely.
She went over and knelt down be-
side his chair.
Yes, daddy"
I'm an old fool!'
Eyes, daddy, I mean-oh, no. you're
not"
Look here, grille; you so and get
that Dick OF yours and bring him here.
By George, I never thought what it
would feel like to have a soldier in
the family, but it's a good idea. Fine
ideal" Mr.. Brafdin drew himself up
proudly. Now you two get married