The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-16
Eoening Story
Taken for the Family.
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS.

together.
The Albany Day Line boat was SAIL
ing between the great hills that glorify
the Hudson, and behind stretched the
wonderful silver ribbon of water.
Ethel and her brother, Ben, had taken
numerous pictures of. each other as a
foreground to the magnificent scenery.
but not one did they have together,
II don't see why. some brilliant per-
son doesn't invent a long string effect
of some kind SO that two people can
take their own pictures together"
"Nutty as usual commented her
brother unfeelingly, but never the less
very, very proud of his proximity to
Ethel She was by far the ioveliest
and most attractive girl on the Robert
Fulton or any other ship. he thought.
Il am going to ask someone to snap
us off," Ethel suddenly decided. II
don't see any reason why 1 shouldn't
am quite sure either of US would be
glad to do it for anyone else" Her
eyes were already casting about Tor
victim, preferably one with q camera,
and there were plenty of them, there
on the upper Geek.
you'll pich up with some stranger
just once too often" Ben warned her.
But hisIEister's eyes had already
and was even then swapping the trail
of the ship, mountains, silver ribbon
and all. His suit was of well-cut
tweed and his figure of sturdy proper
tons.
IF you will do fool stunts" Missed
Ben as he was moving away on this
mission, let on you're my wife. 1
don't want any strange man thinking
he can take advantage OF your ad-
vances"
Sometimes, dear" Ethel informed
him, you have a curious amount OF
sense" she looked oyer her shoulder
at him, for one SO young.
Ben was perhaps eighteen months
younger than Ethel.
her conversation with the strange
Young man, watched that same
stranger freeze suddenly, then as
swiftly melt when he heard Etheis
simple request.
my husband and 1 do SO want to
send one picture back to our familes
in which we are both visible won
der if you would mind very much just
swapping us OFF,"
Ben knew exactly what Ethers eyes
would be like as they flung their won
derful rays into the strangers own,
and he quaked for the stranger Ben
was too familiar with the havoc his
sister was wont to leave in her wake.
Tom Warren went to the slaughter
like a lamb to the fold. His smile was
boyish and Ben liked him.
She brought him over and the two
men shook hands as any two we'll
born men would under the circum
stances. Warren's keen look at Ben
and Ethel told him much. Beh's was
merely appraising and admiring.
My wife is a bit nutty when we
are away on these jaunts," Ben said
by way of making conversation and
also in a way of apologizing for EthePs
q he In
self from blame.
Warren laughed as he took the
camera from Ethel's hands. and the
glance he cast her showed entire dis
agreement with Ben's verdict.
There's a fine view now" he sug-
gested. eff you will just stand out
there by the railing" He focused the
camera watching more for a certain
pose and expression in the girl than
the scenery or Ben. He took three,
then asked if he might try one or two
with his own camera.
Ethel and Ben exchanged glances
but mutually consented.
II shall return the compiiment-if
] may" Ethel said with slight blush.
you have no one to take your picture
and you might want to send one to
your wife" -
Ben positively gasped at his sisters
unveiled curiosity as to Warrsn's state
in the matrimonial field.
mot yet arrived" Warren told her,
and Ethel had the grace to blush
again.
They finished taking pictures and It
was Ben, to Ethel's surprise, consid-
ering her brothers reserve, who sug-
gested that they descend to the queer
little coffee room two decks below.
"The idea is good" laughed War
rem, whether we need it or not"
They made a jolly trio, the supposed
man and wife and Tom Warren.
When they exchanged addresses
with the promise to send snapshots
to each other there was citation in the
heart of Warren.
1t was then that Ethel had the sur
prise of her life.
ssYou might come up and have din
ner with us-and bring the photos"
Ben had said, and Tom Warren needed
no second bidding.
But Ren," Ethel warned, when they
had parted with their new-found
friend, you know nothing about him
and"
Il like him better than most of your
SWANS"
''You forget. dearie, that we are
husband and wife. Mr.. Warren will
have to be told
Ben laughed sheepishly.
"Mr. Warren has been told. He
slipped 1t to me when l asked him to
dinner. Said we hadn't put anything
over on him-something about same
kind OF long. black eyelashes and same
contour of faee-rather a slam on me.
l should say
Ethel laughed at his brotherly re-
mark. Il almost believe you are turn
ing matchmaker"
You believe right, That fellow
looks to me as If he could keep you in
order-you are getting beyond me-"
He grinned at her. Poor boob was
bowled right over at the start-any
one could see that"
Ethel blushed hotly and Ben patted
her on the shoulder. Never mind,
sis,-I am glad for once you picked up
with a stranger--like him"
80 do t. admitted Ethel
Copyright. 1890. by the Mcclure News.
paper Syndieatel
IO.n.4so~eA~ ..no~.