The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-10-15
EVENING STORY
Magic Mirrors.
BY LILY wANDELL.

glad am to see you, and I won't let
you go in a hurry, mind that! Did
you pack loads of music IN, that
trunk? If you didn't. turn right
around and go home and get somei"
All this between a dozen welcoming
kisses and as many affectionate hugs.
Here's your room, and get off your
things, for I've SO much to say" chat
tered Dallas, as she took her guests
hat and coat You're going to have
the best time, Elsette Dwight! 1t
starts, off with a big party tonight at
Mrs. Loves: you remember her? But
here's the big surprise can't keep
it a moment longer-Elbert Smith is
going to be there!"
Not Gilbert Smith, the pianist %
Putting down the hairbrush in breath
less attention.
ayes, yes! Isn't It wonderful? Myra
Love has told him about you, Elsette,
and he is Interested Please don't call
me a matchmaker or a fool, but, FL
settle, really and truly, you two are
just made for one anotheri You are
such a wonderful musician, you will
appreciate such man as Ebert
Smith. He is going to be celebrity;
there's no doubt about it. And he's
fine otherwise, too; big and good
looking. Oh. the girls are crazy about
him. Do you know, if wasn't mar
ried to the best old bear in the world,
I'D set my cap for him myself. Only
he wouldn't be interested in me, Ell
settle; I'm not musical enough"
Elsette was excited about meeting
Mr. Smith for she had heard so much
about his concerts and success. Sup-
pose he really would be interested in
her, Just a little Tome talent light.
he haar
play Delightful little thrills ran
down her back at the thought of it!
Oh, she would have so much to say
to him, they would have SO much to
talk about, so many things in com
mon In vain she tried to tighten the
reins on her now galloping thoughts,
but they dashed ahead into mire of
tantalizing and enchanting dreams.
Was she really falling in love with
somebody she had not even seen?~
The party at Mrs. Loves proved to
be a very large affair and from the
beginning Elsette became separated
from Dallas. Under the wing of Mrs.
Loves sister she was introduced to a
great many people whose names, of
course, she did not quite catch. But
stood, "Mr. Smith, Miss Dwight" And
a splendidly built young man stood be-
fore her, smiling down at her out of
pair of keen blue eyes
Elsette could not speak for
moment, she had not ina gined him
like this, so clean-cut. so alert. not at
all like the proverbial long-haired,
dreamy-eyed musician.
1t was pleasant that Mrs. Loves sis
ter was called away just then and very
delightful that a little undisturbed
corner should be unoccupied near at
haPnd.
Dwight" Mr.. Smith was saying and
Elsette blushed with pleasure. II am
very anxious to hear you play. 1 love
music"
''Of course you do" laughed Elsette,
but truly, I would love to hear what
you think of my playing" She spoke
eagerly. almost fearing he repented
his remark.
Lets sneak off somewhere''-he
suggested boyishly-''the music room,
of course, is crowded. Wait minute
I've got it. Up in the old studio
there's pianoi'
Away they scurried like two happy
children to the quite deserted studio.
solitary bulb under a rose-colored
shade family Illuminated the room.
Elsette. with icy fingers and pounding
heart, seated herself at the piano while
Mr.. Smith flung himself in an easy
chair, waiting quietly for her to begin.
For several minutes it was quite i'm
possible to play, the overpowering
thought that the great Ebert Smith
was listening stiffened her fingers.
Then the edor of a cigarette reached
her nostrils; vaguely it comforted
soothed her. After all, he was only a
human being enjoying a smoke and
wanting little music. She played,
and better than she had ever per-
formed before.
Finished, she wheeled around to
meet a pair of blue eyes grave with
appreciation. hungry'for more. Some
how it happened that they settled
down upon a comfortable davenport
and Elsette told him of her music, her
studies. her little concerts and her
great ambition. He was intensely in
terested, and, what was more, he
understood. An hour slipped away
before they remembered that they
must return to the festivities below
Reluctantly they rose, scarcely daring
new, was this bond of sympathy be-
tween them.
Dallas. quite excited, met them at
the foot of the stairs. I've been
searching for you everywhere" And
giving Mr.. Smith the shortest of mods,
want to introduce you to Gilbert
Smith,
But, Dallas. I've been with Mr..
Smith all evening""
You goose! That young scamp was
George Smith. Mrs. Loves neighbor.
mean Ebert Smith, the pianist"
And before Elsette could recover
her breath she was being presented to
the right Mr. Smith. whose reserved
dignity and patronizing gracfousness
was somewhat chilling, coming as
she did, direct from the sunshine of
ardent admiration.
Mrs. Love has spoken to me about
you. Miss Dwight" Mr.. Smith was
saying calmly. II understand you play
a little. No doubt you will be in
terested in my performance later in
the evening. OF course I cannot give
Observation-Disclosures
RThe GeOroe M