The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-04-28

never dreamed but What you'd had
your breakfast"
mo. I'm running away aad
that's howl came to be short OF
money. She blushed at her own con-
fession..
You seem remarkably calm for one
who is running away" he laughed.
But 1 really am, all the same. Ny
parents believe I'm safe and sound in
New York
"I should think they'd have missed
you by now and be wiring all over
creation" he put in.
"Oh. no: l took care they shouldn't
get alarmed so soon by telling them
that 1 was tired of everything and was
house for a whole week and didn't
want them to try to find me or to
communicate with me in any way. At
the end of that time I promised to let
them hear from me, and they agreed
because they say that I've never gotten
into any mischief; SO I'm a 'trusty' and
they let me do as I like as a rule
about things that aren't very i'm
portant," she ended little bitterly
Il admit I'm puzzled to know why
you're running away from such lenient
parents" he said
Miss WestelI blushed at this and
looked out of the window. Finally
she spoke:
Il don't know why I'm telling you
all this, but 1 guess it's because you
lent me~the money 1 needed. I'm run
ming away because my mother and
father want me Toto marry a man I
don't want to marry, and know that
If they keep on talking to me and he
keeps on talking to me Ill marry him
in spite of myself"
Il think you were perfectly justified
mi l.
dark eyes big with interest while be-
meath the little table he gripped his
napkin as if it were some ones neck.
DO you really mean it? It's so
good to hear you say it," she con-
fessed.
During the rest of the trip they were
almost constantly together, reading to
each other or exchanging anecdotes of
their past lives, and when at last the
day of arrival came Jack and Edith
left the car together, he carrying her
bag and guiding her thru the crowd.
With thrill he realized how very
husbandly' he must look. He glanced
hastily around for his uncle. soon to
see him and his daughter looking Gag
erly about.
Louisa saw Jack first and sped to-
ward him. her face ripping with
rushed straight up to Miss Westell and
threw her arms around her, bubbling
greetings and welcome. Losmond held
his breath in amazement.
You old dear, whatever brought
you here?"- Louisa asked excitedly,
and went on without waiting for an
answer. And here's Cousin Jack.
Why didn't you tell~us you were 60
ing to bring Edith with you? I didn't
| even know you knew her"
rs he your cousin" Edith inquired.
What a surprise"
Then turning to Mr. Losmond she
explained: Louisa and l went to col
lege together and were the very chum-
miest of chums''
Now Jack began to understand
Louisa towed Edith away and seated
| her in the back of the waiting ma
chine. leaving Mr.. Bennett to take care
of his nephew.
II didn't know you knew the little
Westall girl. She's a great favorite
with u.s." Bennett said as they settled
! themselves in the front seat of the car
| "Surei We've known each other for
ages Haven't We. Edith?'' he called
| daringly over his shoulder.
II should say so. Jack" she smiled
with a gurgle of Unsurpassed laugh
ter.
I'm fact we're" the man went on
his heart humping.
claimed.
"All right. dear. We'll keep it till
later If you'd rather"
This is too wonderful, I'm simply
! knocked off my feet said Louisa
breathlessly.
1T am, too" said Edith.
II am: too" said Jack blissfully.
| paper Syndicate.)