The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-09
EueningStory
Never. Thought of That.
BY r. RAY BAKER

BY r. RAY BAKER.
81 have decided to marry again.
Miss Colburn.''
DR.. willard Cavanaugh, middle
aged, made the remark over the top
of his newspaper when Harriet Col
burn entered the living room after
tucking the doctors daughter,
Thelma, aged six. and his son Kea-
meth, aged four, in their beds.
1t was somewhat of surprise to
Harriet, for when she left the hospital
training school upon her graduation
two years ago to accept a position in
the doctors household she had been
given to understand the new service
would be permanent. 1t was more
than a surprise-.t was a shock. For
Harriet had come to love the children
entrusted to her care.
Harriet was well past the twenty
year mark and she was net beautiful.
But she was good, wholesome sort of
a girl, who took life seriously and paid
strict attention to business. Her BUSH
ness was seeing that Thelma and Ken
meth had the right food, fresh air, the
proper kind of attire and the CORE It
form and amount of discipline.
She had specialized in the care of
children and had a way with them
that few could hope to rival. Further
more. she loved any and all members
of the coming generation. and for that
reason she had declined a tempting
institutional offer and welcomed the
chance to look after the Cavanaugh
family. Before engaging her the doc
tor had watched Harriet and had be-
come convinced that the salutary well
fare of his progeny would be assure
in her hands.
Yes, the doctors announcement was
a disappointment, but Harriet had
been taught to control her emotions,
and was confident her dismay was no.
manifest when she sank into a chair
across from her employer, who laid
aside his paper and wiped his glasses.
Il thought had better speak to you
of my intentions some time in ad-
vance," he went on, 80 that you could
look for position, altho L understand
you have been the recipient of sew
eral flattering offers during your term
of service with me-
That is true said Harriet mod
estly. She could have an institutional!
position at the hospital any time she
desired, and there were several places
open similar to the one she now oc-
cupied.
With her face in the shadow she
Iooed intently at the doctor. whose
genial countenance was illuminated by
the table lamp. This was the man
whose children she loved, and at times
she had felt she could go a step far
ther, If only she would permit it, and
care-But. of course, that was out of
the question. Harriet was a profess
abandoned all idea of marriage. Still,
she was curious to know the name
of the fortunate girl
You may be sure" the doctor went
on, shat 1 will give you the best of
recommendations. Fortunately for me
the young lady who has consented to
be my wife is also q graduate nurse
or will be shertly-so 1 feel my chill
dren will not suffer materially by the
change in conditions"
When Harriet retired she crept to
the children's bedroom and by the
with glfstening eyes on the chubby,
healthy faces pressed against two pill
lows in two little White enameled beds
. The dears!" she breathed. "And to
think have to leave them.''
Z The doctor sat for some time hold
ing the paper before him, but needless
of any of the printed words.
Its been pretty lonely" he sighed,
''but Agatha will cheer things up.
She's rather frivolous, but that's what
/ need. There's toe much serious BUSH
ness in my life. Agatha will be good
not, SO efficient as Miss Colburn, but
they need some one who really can be
a mother to them"
The next evening DIR. Cavanaugh
called at the hospital to take Agatha
for an auto spin, knowing it was her
"late leave night. But she was not
there.
'tAgathats gone to a dance" said a
young girl, who was his fiancee's room
mate. Several young people went to
for the evening and Agatha
was one OF them
: The doctor frowned as he left the
nurses lodge.
That's peculiar" he unused. "She
doesn't seem to take the engagement
seriously. But then, she's young
She'll steady down after awhile"
1t was several days before the doctor
ute at time. He called to spend the
evening, and they sat in the nurses
parlor.
willard, why don't you dancer"
she asked in the course of their CONVEX
sation, which appeared rather strained.
Il went with Frank Larkins to Haz-
ards the other night, and we had a
wonderful time. Why don't you invite
nae some timer"
I'm too busy" he returned. land
too tired after my days work. I
should think you would be. too, after
shaving twelve hours in this work.
house; but of course you're young. I'm
a little old, 1 guess
She guessed SO, too, altho she re-
Trained from saying it. Agatha did not
love DR.. Cavanaugh. 1t was his in
come and social prestige that attracted |
her, and she did not look forward
with relish to her coming martyrdom. |
There was a young man in a distant |
city whom she really loved, but he had |
no money.
The doctor was not especially pleas |
ed over the Hazards party, but was |
dit31ny1a tic enough m keen silent the |
subject He kissed Agatha good night |
and went home. His children and /
their companion had retired
He went to the bedroom and looked |
in on the sleeping pair.
"You dear kiddies," he murmured; |
and just then the little girl opened her |
eyes and smiled at her father
'sThelma," he said, how would you |
like to have a mammal"
Thelma yawned and smiled, and let |
one eye wink knowingly.
"All right" she chirPed. 'if it's Har |
-fa< 6tharxyisa don't 4