The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-05
EVENING STORY
The Condition.
By INES MACDONALD.

office pushed back from MS desk Will
a sigh that was half a curse, gazing
intently out over the irregular top of
Manhattan toward the blue-hazed
bay.
Collin Bell had just been going
over his accounts, and he was twelve
hundred and eighty odd dollars shot
almost a years salary! For long
five minutes he sat there running
over the details in his mind. He was
already past thirty, and, altho almost
overwhelmed with the desire to sue
coed, he had been unable to get be-
yond his present salary, all Of which
it took for him to live in what he
called decency.
He might go on for several years
without having the shortage discov-
cred, or he might ''cut and run for
it," and have the thing discovered in
a day. The impossibility OF his ever
making up a deficiency out of his
salary was apparent, and yet some"
thing had to be done! At this mo-
ment his ponderings were interrupted.
, Pardon me-" came voice. but
where is my father?"
He turned in surprise to face 1nez
Vrain, the "Old Mans daughter. He
had seen her often enough to know
her by sight, and also to know that
his whole years salary wouldn't buy
her clothes for six minths. and he
had neither awe NOR any particular
admiration for her, except, of course,
as something pleasant to look at.
Mr.. Vrain has gone to Philadel-
phia~ to attend to an important con
ference" he explained, land won't be
I,rr
Then. why didn't someone telc-
phone ?" she demanded.
I'm, sure I don't know" he said
dryly.
He promised to take me to lunch
con and to give me his whole after
noon,' she said sappointedly, and
now everything's spoiled"
Bell grinned. 1t wasn't polite of
him, but he couldn't help 1t. Some
peoples troubles were so trivial!
Just for that" she said primly. ''I'n
have to request you to escort me to
the Delange for luncheon. rye come
all the way into town to be 1unched
with by man, and as long as father is
gone, you'll do as we'll as the next
one, l suppose
Collin Bell was rather taken back
by this unique request, but he had his
weeks salary in his pocket and trusted
that would see him thru.
Very WELL" he said, II you insist"
And a few minutes later they were
seated at a cozy table for two in a
rather crowded dining room, inspecting
each other curiously. They both SEEM
ed surprised to be getting on SO well
together. and before she knew it, Inez
Vrain was chattering to Collin Bell as
if he were favored friend of her own
social world.
But suddenly Bell's face underwent
a change. Coming toward them. pre-
coded by the head waiter. was the "Old
Man" followed by friend. The "Old
Man" noticed Bell and started to bow
genially, when he caught the curve Of
his ,dapghter's cheek, and instead of
passing on. he stopped.
Hello, Bell" he said, cordially ex-
tending his hand, and successfully
covering his:surprise.
why, Dad said Inez. Mr.. Bell
said you had gone to Philadelphia to
attend conference"
Bell drew down the lid Of his left
eye, and the "Old Man." just caught
himself in time.
ITO be sure he said easily, but a
wire came at the last minute and
postponed it."
And as he moved away he said in an
off-hand manner: Wish you'd drop
into my office the first thing Monday
morning. Bell. I want to 60 into that
Philadelphia matter"
And Collin Bell was not sure but he
thought the "Old Man" winked at him.
On Monday morning the "O1d Man"
leaned back in his chair and grinhed
at Collin Bell.
you've been here five or six years.
Bell, and I never noticed you particu
larly before. But you've got tact, do
you know that. OF course, ia forgot,
quickness with that Philadelphia story
saved me bad half hour with a GER
tain young woman who has q temper
and clever tongue"
The "Old Man drew his private
check book toward him and passed
over a check to Bell for fifteen hun
bred dollars.
This is coming to you on last years
salary he said From today you
are to be my personal representative
at five thousand a year."
Bell took the check with thanks
of the office. He went straight to the
bank and deposited the "Oid Mans"
check and then drew one of his own
back to the "Old Man for the twelve
hundred and eighty odd dollars of his
shortage. This he enclosed with an
itemized statement a short explana-
ton and his resignation. and sent up
to the office by messenger. Then.
with a little sigh, he-started slowly up
town. walking with a careless feeling
of freedom that he had not Known for
a long time. At last he was square
but at the sacrifice of the only oppor-
tunity that had ever come. to him.
We'll, 1t was the only way. he felt. and
there were othtr jobsi Then, just in
front of him roadster drew up to the
curb and a girl got out. And as she
turned to shut the door they were
face to face.
why, it's Mr.. Dell!" she smiled
cordially.
Bell shook he hand in a compelling
manner that for some reason or other
was vastly exciting to 1nez vrain.
+ launching again with father?" he
ouizzed with a twinkle.
! Aren't you working today?" she
came back at him.
NO" he said shortly. II quit this
morning.
Her eyes grew stormy. Ibid he fire
YOU for Iunchihg with me?" she de-
manded, angrily.
"Oh, no. he denied.