The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-07-12
EDening Story
The Kiss That Didn't Count
BY H. LOUIS RAYRoLp.

morris chair by the open window,
thinking deep thoughts. Dared ne
ask Ellen Gray TO marry him ? Would
she say. Yes" If he did?
Meeting her at his sisters gradua-
ton, he had been straightway capti-
waited by her girlish charm, and when
his sister suggested that Ellen visit
them in the late summer. Hartley was
an enthusiastic indorser of the plan.
Now the visit, SO long anticipated.
was nearly over. He could not feel
that Ellen had definitely encouraged
him, and yet There were the girls
now! Thru the window he watched
them crossing the lawn, his jolly sis
ter. Josie, and Ellen. the girl of his
dreams.
The girls, unaware of Hartley's
proximity, sank down on the steps of
the veranda. Hartley for the mo-
meEt, was content to delay joining
them while he reveled in the picture
Ellen made as she leaned against the
clematis- draped pillar, tanning herself
with her floppy. broad-brimmed hat.
and then he stalked into the
crowded hall and picked her up and
carried her off in his arms. oh, it
was wonderful" Hartley deduced
that Josie was launched on a version
of some recent screen success.
Ellen sighed. do you know, Jo-
those must have been glorious times,
in the day of cave men and-oh,
Lochinvars and all. So much easier
to have a man make up his mind YOU
were going to marry him and that was
the end of it,"
"IlI say So" agreed Josie. and rhe
conversation trickled on into further
film "reminiscences, but Hartley heard
them not. He had received his cue
from the unconscious Ellen herself.
She wanted cave man stuff So be It!
He arose. thrilled and determined. At
the very first opportunity he would
prove himself Il cave man, Lochinvar
and William Hart rolled into one.
To a man awaiting the nice con-
junction, of time, place. and girl. the
hours passed on leaden wings. Young
people from the neighboring cottages
came in for the evening, and the
great moment, when at last it came,
came Unexpectedly. The girls had
said goodnight. leaving Hartley lock-
/ ing up doors and windows and put
ting out the lights. Just as he pulled
1.-THE chain of the living room light he
heard Ellen, from halfway up the
stairs, say. wait minute. 30. till I
get my book. It's on the window
seat in the living-room."
! The next instant came a sound of
footsteps on the stairs. Then past
Hartley slipped a slim white form.
Summoning his resolution, he reached
out and gathered it to him, tipped up
her chin, and found her lips.
Next on his schedule had been the
brave words. You're going 10 marry
me-" but so overwhelmed was he by
what followed that he never uttered
them. Two soft arms stole about his
neck, fragrant hair brushed his
cheeks and little giggle issued from
his shoulder Then she was gone.
Hartley, altho a bit amazed at the
swift surrender, was triumphant. All
that was left now was to buy the
ring, name the day, and look up fares
to Bermuda.
Next morning, in fit of desperate
impatience to convince himself that
the happenings of the night before
were not a glorious dream. Hartley
arose betimes. He hoped that Ellen
was experiencing the same palpitat-
ing eagerness as himself to follow up
that wonderful kiss. But the girls
sauntered down as usual, sleepy-eyed
but keen for breakfast, and fingered
lexasperatingly over their eggs and
toast in a discussion of plans for the
/ day.
But Hartley's chance came at last
Josie slipped away to the kitchen and
Ellen, book in hand, sought the cool
seclusion of the couch hammock on
the porch. In an instant Hartley was
beside her. Firmly he withdrew the
book, tucked 1t behind the cushions,
land seized her hand. And when are
| Married." gasped Ellen. what
what a sudden person you are!'
yes, darling. when? You know I
love you. You are the most wonder
full girl in the world. Make me the
| happiest mani"
ly around to see il they were alone
but she did not withdraw her hand.
Josie's brother had come to seem to
her as attractive apd desirable as the
Prince Charming Of her dreams. but
she had not been prepared for this
sudden and abrupt declaration. II
don't know what to say" sehe muir
INJURED.
'Its up to me TO do the saying" de-
cided Hartley to himself. mindful of
the words he had overheard yesterday.
Then aloud, You are going to
WARY me this very fall, Ellen Lowell"
he said determinedly. On the words,
he drew her into his arms. and for
a moment there was no sound other
than the rustic of the morning breeze
in the clematis.
That" said Hartley. as at length
he released her. was infinitely more
satisfactory than the kiss I got last
night, Nhy-why-wha ?"
For Ellen had stiffened and was re-
garding him with sort of frozen hor-
ror. "Of-all-thingsl" she said, slow
ly. Then vehemently. How dare you'll
Let me go, Mr.. Stevensl'
/ AT that moment somebody Siggled.
In the doorway stood Josie. "Oh, I'm
sorry. / didn't mean to overhear-but
just as I got to the door I caught a
I little and as 1 turned to go heard
the rest. Hereafter. Hartley, when
you kiss a girl in the dark be sure it s
the right one," Not waiting his re-
joiner, Josie fled.
His sisters giggle had been strangely
reminiscent to Hartley of the night
befoEe- Like a flash he realized what
had happened. II thought 1 heard
you say You were going to the living
room for a book. 1t was dark, and
I thought-well, 1 thought it was you
and"
YES said Ellen 81 see 10 went
for 1t. But I thought that girl you
were with when We walked to the
store-oh. I'll forgive you. but pleas
don't do 1t again. It's taking
ehaneesr"
Nonsense" said Hartley, tenderly.
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