The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-04-12
Eoening Story
An Ending Unforeseen.
BY a w. PEACH.

Shirley Patton, waiting for the local
train that would carry her to her
suburban home, found two persons to
interest her among the hundreds in
the great station. One was a tall,
clean-featured young man whose
grave eyes stole giace in her direc-
| ton now and then-a glance of APP
prova1 so impersonal that Shirley
1 could accept it.
The other was a tired little mother
at her left who seemed to be on the
verge of fainting. In her lap she held
a small, rosy morsel that was gurg-
ling and cooling, obliv1ous to her moth
| er's distress.
Suddenly the little mother turned
and Shirley found herself questioned.
sfWill you hold my baby until l see
about my train ?''
| Shirleys first thought was to re-
fuse. Then she scoided herself; no
mother would ever leave such win
some little witch of a babe. Shirley
| held out her arms.
| She was SO interested in her new
charge that she did not think of her
young man. When she did glance up
q blush came softly in her cheeks; for
| if eyes were ever saying anything his
We're saying; you are very attractive
| to me as you hold that youngster SO
materially and tenderly."
! '''I suppose I do look a bit maternal,
and l do love babies. but don't want
to advertise it," she thought to her-
self
Busy with the happy mite, she did
not know the passage of time until NJ
| dawned upon her that soon her tram
would be leaving. She looked aboul
anxiously for the mother, but the tiree
| little figure did not appear
Shirley's heart thumped. Had she
been fooled after all? Was she here
| with a strange baby2 What could s1e
do? She gazed about a bit distracted
| ~ 6n
eyes of the man opposite. she saw
that he understood. and with bit OF
| quake inside she saw him rise ana
/ come toward her.
| "Pardon me, but I will see II 1 can
find the mother he said, smiling en-
couragingly.
aBless his yellow head" Shirley said
to herself, and then thanked him
aloud.
But when he came back after max
ing a trip thru the station, he saw ne
was worried, too. He explained that
he could find no trace of the mother.
/ They stared at each other, the same
thought in each mind; what was to
be done?
The crimson flooded thru his tanned
cheeks as he said haltingly: IF you
give the youngster to me, I'll take
him to the police station-though I
hate like thunder to be seen carrying
a baby round here where some of my
friends may see mel
She laughed at the sudden boyish
exclamation. 81 understand" she
said. tLet's see' She thought a mo-
ment and a quick decision formed in
her mind. She could not bear the
thought of the baby's going to po-
lice station, and then to some found
ling home-such a dainty, fragrant.
happy bit of humanity She would
leave word in the station and take the
he I,n Sha a thought
of the dumb astonishment of her fam
iIy But how could she ever get the
baby home and also all her shopping
booty?
She glanced up at him. He was
gazing with anxious eyes down the
lIong lobby. She made up her mind
! that frank, mans face was the face
to be trusted.
81 am going to take the baby home,
if you will help me to the train" she
suggested And we must hurry, too
He caught up her bundles quickly
and they traiIed away to the gate and
thru that to the train, she in the lead,
the baby snug in her arms; he, tall
and serene following her. Eyes
turned to glance at them. She
bIushed, but he seemed imperrious.
He saw to if that she was seated
and then hesitated. you will never
be able to get off with your-erE-
ti1npedim May I go with you? l
should like to see this adventure
thru
! She hesitated in turn, then nodded,
thinking to herself, Il really want to
see a little more of him.
The ride was not eventful in some
ways; but she found herself, as they
talked of the situation, turning her
eyes from the broad shoulders to the
gray, protecting, honoring eyes quite
a distance above hers. It was an adj
venture surely. but worth it, just to
know him for a short while.
| When her station came, he aided
her to the platform, and again they
came to a halt.
You will really have to help me
to the house, and then I'll excuse you
that is, if yeu-yeu care to-" she
questioned.
He was already gathering up her
bundles. 'T am in this with you;
but-er-er- your people Perhaps
1 had better Introduce myself-sher-
man Meldon."
agreed" she said. and gave him
her name.
4 They walked to the broad street
where she lived and stopped before
la large house set back among the
trees. She hesitated a bit, but it was
no use; she must have his aid clear
to the door. So they went on.
The maid atthe door stared dumbly
and let them in. Then q heavy step
sounded and a voice began, Shirley,
why didn't you telephone for the
1 car
Mr. Patton stepped into the hall, his
paper in his hand. He saw them.
''Great Scetti" he exclaimed, and the
paper dropped.
''Pater, 1 had to bring the baby
home" Shirley cried. and she ex-
planned rapidly as she laid the baby
down.
As she introduced Meldon and saw
that her father knew him by reputa-
ton, the tension lifted. 1--WE must
get busy and see if We can locate
the mother" said Mr.. Patton. and,
Meldon, you better stay with us and
have a bite"
Shirley looked around to find Mel
6on's eyes upon her in quiet question
Ia greater question than If she