The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-03-13
Eoening Story
Lilacs and a Lady.

since she could remember but his at
titude toward her was the same broth
erly interest that he showed his own
sister, Anne. He tweaked her ear
and made fun of the little line of
/ freckles that busted her aristocratic
looking nose. He told her about his
intermittent epasms of love for various
girls, most OF whom were visiting
| favorites. In other words, Gordon
loved so many that Peggy felt there
was some balm for her own heart
ache in that very symptom. No affair
had ever lasted long enough to cause
her any real anxiety.
She was having cup of tea with
Anne late one spring afternoon, both
of them seated on a big tufted daven
before a CHEEKY little blaze that
seemed to take, the chill out of the
wide living room when Gordon came
in.
Hello. girls! I'm Just in time for
some jam cake, huh? Say, Peg, I
sure did like that new hat / saw you
wearing on street today. Sorry I
! couldn't stop and take you for a spin,
but I had a rich old prospect from
Podunk or some other equally famous
place. and kned if he got out of my
car without buying it some other en-
1terprising automobile salesman might
beat me to it. 1 put the deal over and
sold a roadster besides. Hence my
ability to leave the shop early and
play the role of gentleman of leisure"
He sat down between the two girls
and helped himself generously to cake
that was piled in thick, luscious slices
on the tea cart He pushed the cart
toward Peggy. Pour me some tea,
child! I need refreshment. How did
you like that girl I had at the dance
last night? She's q regular girl. be-
lieve me! She's as bright as a dollar
and she has good looks, too Did you
ever see such eyes and such wonder
full hair?"
she is worth cool million" said Anne
laughingly. THAT accounts for your
ideas of the golden tint in her hair and
the sparkle in her eyes. You're think
ing what that cash will do to help out
| in these days of the H. C. L"
The young fellow set down his
empty cup and looked around quiz
zically at his sister. well, being rich
won't keep me from loving her, of
course, Miss Romantic. I am going
then supper at the club. What are.
you folks doing?'
Pegs going to the Winters big
dance with Jim Winter himself. Do
you know, Peg. Jim's quite mad about
you? I'll bet that he proposes to-
night"
Gordon turned suddenly. Jim Win
! teri Gosh, he's got all the money
there is, girls. And that home! It's
| a. palacei"
peg has wonderful frock to wear.
orchid with touches of turquoise about
it and a huge ostrich fan, turquoise,
too" Anne told him. you know Jim
confided to me last night, ,Pag. that he
thought you were the prettiest girl in
this town. I'd like to hear what he
will have to say about you tonight in
that creation
| Gordon cupped the girls chin in his
hand and turned her face to the light.
TN swear; Peg, you are pretty.
see your eyes!' he demanded.
| Peggy felt the red creeping up from
her beating throat. She put her little
teeth together in an effort to keep her
chin from quivering. He was SO cas-
ual abou it. she must never by any
chance let him knew that those level
gray eyes of his shook her heart as
the wild March wind outside tossed
the burgeoning boughs of trees.
Suddenly there was a strange, dawn
! ing light in those same gray eyes that
were so close to her own.
| Well, they are pretty. aren't they ?"
asked Anne. watching the two with
little knowing smile on her lips.
Almost instantly, before he could
frame reply. Peggy stood up. I'm
breathlessly. She reached down for
her big silver gray fox scarf that she
had tossed on a chair nearby.
All at once, courage born Of that
dons eyes for one brief second. pos
sessed her. IF I decide to be Mrs
Winter, Anne. shall I call you tonight,
even if it is late?"
Il want to be the very first to know,
you DEAR Anne acknowledged.
you're silly if you don't marry jim
with his good looks and all that
money. You'll be a real princess out
of fairy tale.'
'I'll take you home" said Gordon.
MY car is on the drive"
! Won't it make you late for your
engagement? suggested Peggy. ITS
nearly seven now" giancing at her
wrist watch.
THAT won't matter" exclaimed
Gordon mechanically.
I'm run her home in your car, bud, :"
offered Anne maliclously. You can
be dressing while I am gone. You'll
have to have dinner. too, you know"
Gordon was struggling into light
topcoat. Ready, Peg?" he ques-
toned eagerly.
They breathed the heavy fragrance
of purple lilacs as they rode slowly
down the long driveway before the
house. Stars glimmered brightly over
head. little silver sickle of a moon
quivered in the west. All the faint
sweet music of springtime saturated
the soft night air.
"Lilacs make me think of YOU" said
Gordon quietly in voice that not
even Peggy could mistake for a
brotherly tone.
She clasped her gloved hands tight
" in her lap and looked away where
swiftly moving clouds seemed to be
rocking the little silver cradle OF a
moon in the sky.
We've known each other ever since
we could walk. haven't we, Peg"
asked Gordon in a voice that, was still
subdued.
| She answered in a monosyllable, not
daring to trust her own voice.
We've been great old pals, haven't
we?" he continued.
Peggy did not answer, and presently
the machine slid noiselessly to a stop
| before the shabby old brick that had
always been home to her. BoxWood