The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-05-10
EVENING STORY
T WOman'S Work.
BY LINCOLN ROTHBLUM.

BY LINCOLN ROTHBLUM.
1t was one of those lazy days in the
late fall when all the world seemed
tagged by the long, hot summer. the
natural distemper of climatic condi-
tions augmented by concern for the
nation at war. Suburbanites shuffled
home from the depot laden with bun
dies and cares of the moment. thru
roads deep with the fallen leaves of
endless hues.
Toward one of the prettiest cottages
on the street. its pagoda shaped roof
lending an Oriental air to its otherwise
severe lines, walked a tall, well-knit
man of about thirty. the jaunty tones
of the melody he whistled carried on
by the soft evening air. 1t was a
catchy two-step and the girl, leaning
from the open window, caught up the
tune as she emerged onto the wide
piazza. She was perhaps some twenty
years of age, her clear blue eyes and
bright expression bespeaking quick
thinking intelligence.
so glad you have come early, Leo"
she spoke rapidly and sincerely, there
is much of the war news I want to talk
about"
"Yes. Sophia" he answered in an
distracted manner.
But the paper with its attention
attracting headlines in bold letters of
giant size lay on his lap unread; it
was not difficult to detect the presence
of another subject on his mind.
"Can 1 help?" Sophia asked bluntly.
1--WE enlisted"
Enlisted! I'm proud of you, Leo"
Are you, dear? But l am con-
cerned what jackson 4 Co. will do
when I go, as have started an extern
sive advertising campaign for them
and must leave it unfinished"
Don't let it worry you. There will
be some woman to take your place"
Take my place? I can't under
stand, Sophia Brentwood, how an 9TH
erwisa sensible girl like you can en-
terrain such ridiculous ideas of her
SEX
Ridiculous! Humph! Leo Lang
ley. it is you who are entertaining ridic-
ulous notions. 1 see nothing ridicu-
lous in the statement that women
practically without exception can fill
any job a man does"
Langley, irritated, shifted uneasily
from foot to foot, and as he tossed the
paper on the table, replied: Perhaps,
then, for a random example. you e.
lieve you could fill my position with
Jackson & Coz" And he mentally re-
viewed the campaigns he had success
fully conducted for that concern as its
manager of advertising
The girl, looking very unbusiness-
like in the feminine daintiness of a
silver-toned gown of white satin, heavy
with brocades of a softer tint. glanced
up with a puzzling smile. ''Why not?"
she asked in a quiet, even tone.
Ridiculous" he reiterated; but do
not let us mar my last visit by such
argument. 1 leave tomorrow for JEFF
ferson barracks"
And in the soft words Of parting
that ensued, no thought was given to
ff,,0f Il
ans status or ability in the field held
sacred by man.
You will write much and often.
dear?"
deed I WILL
And faithfully the promise was kept
At first the letters were full of WON
der and amazement as the recruit
passed thru the machine-like intrice cy
of the receiving depot; then came
word of the assignment and later de-
| tails and incidents novel to civilian
ears of training, soldering and camp
routine. Since his departure the sea-
sons had revolved their full circle, and
fall of the following year had barely
merged into winter when the world
was electrified by the sweet news of
victory. Sophia Brentwood, standing
on the porch of her cottage, anxiously
awaited the approach of the postman.
Yes, it's from him." he Familiarity
leased as he handed her the envelope
with its triangular corner card of red.
AS she read a quizzical mile played
about her lips, exposing two pearIy
rows of well-formed teeth. deepening
into tiny gurgles of delight.
And now that the whole business
is over" the letter ran on, "TI be
coming home without having had my
chance. But with this training 1 feel
able to do lots of bigger things for
jackson & Co. I've been following
their advertising and L am surprised
how well they executed the campaign
1 mapped out"