The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-04-03
EDening Story
Back to His Ideal.

do with England. France or Germany.
1t was a private family war-between
Leonard Moore and J. Griffen Moore.
Perhaps it had better be termed a
rupture in relations, for no shots were
fired.
In his hand Leonard held the terms
Of peace. They were contained in a
letter from J. Griffen Moore, who hap
pened to be his father. The situation
was summed up in the closing para
so the doors of the old horne are
open to you. learn from reliable
| sources that you have settled down
and made good as an automobile sales
man. 1t has been a trying three years
for me, all alone in the big house ex-
| cept for the servants, but I believe it
has done US both good. and we will
understand each other better when
| you return. There is only one obliga-
ttion I will place you under; that is
| that you marry at once, and OF course
| it must be some one in your own class.
Maize Dixon would suit me. and you
used to appear extremely fond of her.
I'll look for you shortly"
| It was the first communication from
his father since the latter sent him out
into the world to shift for himself
three years ago. 1t was after Leon
ards second expulsion from college
that the break occurred.
| Leonard had steadfastly refused to
shoulder any responsibility in life. had
never been vicious. but had Travelled
with a clique that was not noted for
its thrifty propensities or its mild
forms of amusement; had openly de-
| fled hard and fast regulations of the
school and had ended his career there
with an extemporaneouS valedictory
address delivered in the presence of
1.-THE faculty when the latter. sum-
noned him before 1t and which was
far from being q euIOgy.
| The summons had resulted from
series of misdem eanors which had
come to the faculty's attention, but
iwhen the faculty tried to express its
opinion as to the merit of Leonard's
Isundry escapades, the latter qsurped
the stage and expressed his ideas con-
corning the faculty, collectively and in
dividua11y. He went home by the next
train, bag and baggage.
| When J. Griffen Moore shut the
door of his magnificent home that
night Leonard was on the outside with
$500 in his pocket with which to try
to make something of yourself
1t woke Leonard up, and, taking an
| inventory of himself he decided it was
high time to assume a different attf-
tude toward life. Heretofore he had
| been irresponsible. because his father
was wealthy and he was the only heir;
consequently there had been no oc-
casion to shoulder responsibility.
Now, of sudden, there was plenty
of occasion. He had been disowned by
his parent, and his reasoning faculties
told him ]. Griffen Moore was right.
So he went to work.
Three years later found Leonard a
successful salesman, rooming at a
place where other young business men
| and women made their homes. He
4 had responsibilities, and he was glad
lof it.
~ 8
father. He was proud of himself, but
not too proud to go back home when
invited. Leonard had no particular
liking for hard work. and he knew his
father would get him a position where
that kind of activity played a minor
role. He had worked hard, but be-
cause he had to.
His heart filled with exultation,
which showed in his eyes, he left his
room and walked down the hall, paus-
ing before a door, on which he
knocked. 1t was opened by pretty
brunette, rather diminut:ve, attractive,
intelligent young woman. who smiled
him welcome and invited him to a
chair.
ITS come. Minnie. he announced
gleefully. Father has relented, and
I'm to go home. The world is rosy
once more
She walked to the window and
| AoOHS0 OOl Inc smile disappeared
from her face when her back was
turned to him.
Tell me about it," she said.
He did. There was no reason why
he shouldn't, because Minnie had been
his confidante ever since he came to
1 room here. They had been great
Misunderstanding more than that-and
had spent many an evening together.
discussing their hopes and ambitions.
Minnie edited the woman's page on
one OF the newspapers, but had an in
tense yearning to become a police re-
porter.
Il know they don't have women
police reporters" she said, but 1
don't understand why, seeing that they
nave women policemen. Anyhow, I
want to be one. I'm tired of fashions
ana divorces and marriages and other
heart throbs of the feminine world.
Ia like to handle MURDERS
So Leonard told her how the rup-
lure In relations was about to terrni-
nate and suggested they go out to
dinner in celebration of the event, be-
cause on the morrow he would return
. nome. But she insisted that they sim
ply nave one of their "chatty seances,' -
as she expressed it.
Il suppose before long you will be
married. she observed, ITO one of
your former sweethearts"
This extracted sigh from Leonard.
yes, 1 suppose I will. At least /
nope to. Maize Dixon always was my
ideal. She's the most wonderful girl
| ever meta pronounced blonde with
blue eyes-and she certainly would
make me happy. I have always been
insane over her, but of course when
1 left home L was obliged to give her
up. Now it will be different
He gave vent another sigh, which
was echoed by Minnie, no doubt out
of sympathy for him, altho there ap-
peared to be little occasion for sym
: pathy.
In the morning Leonard severed his
| connections with the auto sales COM
pany. The manager was not at all
pleased, because Leonard had been a
valuable man; but he was told that a
place would be open for him any time
he might care to return
Il Then IAnuard went 10 hia IA fhnr,s