The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-09-03
EVENING STORY

BY A. W. PEACH.

Betsy Norcross, waiting in the den
for the return OF her lover, knew by
the expression of his fact thar he had
met disaster. He had gone into the
/ library where Mr. and Mrs. Norcross
were reading, and there he had asked
choice who happened to be their
bright haired. biue-eyed daughter.
NO luck. Ray?" Betsy asked
He sat down glumly. Not a bit.
Your mother did the talking, and in
formed me that under no circum-
stances was I to have you. She was
willing that we continue as friends,
but as for marriage-not bit of il
And she made no bones of saying SO.
Then your father agreed with her!"
l Il can't understand fatherl" Betsy
I said explosively. He likes you, 1
know: and all mother has against you
isis well, dear, she thinks you aren't
blue-blooded enough, while think"
She snuggled herself beside him by
way of completing the sentence.
| I'm hot-blooded enough just now"
he answered, smiling family down
into the petal-like. uplifted face.
Betsy, how can l ever. ever give you
up?" Pain and longing were in his
voice.
She looked up az his worried. hun
cheeks Mischief was in her glance
and meaning
DO you have tor" she questioned
He started as he caught her mean
ing, and she felt his firm shoulder
culver. You naean?" he asked, hope,
doubt. and love mingled in his eyes.
why. my dear. I do not intend to
let my mothers prejudices come be-
tween me and you; so / say, Let's
pack up an git!'"
He sprang to his feet, and caught
her to him in a bearish hug. And
1 can't T nj NJ efu
Wen skip-when?
Tonight" she said. wriggling loose
from his arms.
The quick brain that had made him
valuable man in one of the down
town brokers' offices turned the pos
manage TO get out-say, about 8
o'clock? That will give me time to
make arrangements" The fire died
IN his eyes. We can do it. I'll tele-
friend of mine. who lives about TWEEN
ty miles out. But is it right by you ?"
She drew his face down to hers and
kissed him. Everybody trusts you
except mother; so folks will be with
us. AS for me. 1 am willing to give
you don't take me-grab me now you
have a chance-I'H begin to believe
you are something of a cowardl'
1t was challenge. Then minutes
was on MS way 10 make
the arrangements, and she was saun-
tering serenely into the library, where
her mother sat reading. and where her
father came a moment later. Betsy
wondered If he had been in a position
to overhear the conversation in the
den
my dear. am sorry. but Mr.. Elder
will not do. have better hopes for
you" her mother said in her firm
way. IT am sure your father agrees
Her father peered over his paper
Elder has a fine reputation among
the men. but I am inclined to think
he lacks something the right sort of a
man should have. and that is nerve"
Mr.. Norcross said unsmilingly
"Oh, is that so ?" Betsy said, smil-
ing. Mother, do you agree?"
well. have always thought he
was lacking in stamina" her mother
answered.
Betsey went out. hiding her smiles
II wonder what they will think after
At 8 o'clock she was ready. a slight.
eager. joyous figure. just where the
; tall trees on the corner threw their
heavy shadows.
her ear as he came up the almost de-
serted residential street. In a mo-
mept he was at her side.
Betsy, the deuce Is to pay. Your
mother telephoned Novells garage.
and Novel;. afraid he'd lose her trade.
wanted me to promise I was not up to
anything. It's enough to drive a man
mad. Now I've got to get in touch
with some downtown garage. It's
A car rolled softly to the curb. par
don me. sir. but is this Mr.. Elder? I
am from NovelPs garage. He told me
/ to tell you that he had changed his
mind. and that I am under your or
ders, sir the husky voice of the driv-
err said.
One moment for thought and Elder
, acted. He lifted Betsy into the car.
gave the directions to the driver. The
powerful motor whispered little. and
} they rolled off into the dusk on their
; adventure.
Elder gathered the slight figure be-
side him into the shelter of protect
, ing arm. and he whispered into one
small ear: Betsy. We are on the way.
Novel; evidently had change of
heart But IL anywhere along you
have the least doubt, say the word and
! we turn back"
She pressed cool cheek against
: his. 81 am with you, dear. to the very
end of this ride and all the years"
The big car whispered rapidly thru
) the quiet residential streets. picking
, up speed as the country roads were
: reached. and soon was speeding to its
I destination. bearing with IL two Sc
renely happy hearts. who. because of
the love between them and the happi-
ness nearing, had no question of the
future.
Only one fear remained with Elder.
= Mrs. Norcross in her determined. te-
7 nacious way might have reached out
/ in some other way TO wreck the plans
she had sensed might be formulated.
Observation-Disclosures
faffhew Adams g