The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-10
Eoening Story
The Interview Jane Didn't Get.
BY H. LOUIS RAYBoLD.

BY H. LOUIS RAYBOLD.
Jane Spaulding was trembling in
her boots-brand new boots. they
were, too, of very late and expensive
cut. Her very fetching hat. new also.
and her hitherto unworn fiye-doIlar
gloves did not sstiffen her backbone,
appreciably. Yet-to purchase them in
honor OF the occasion had we'll nigh
emptied her peclketbook.
For this interview was tremendous
ly important to Jane. On it depended
her success as a newspaper woman.
The very instant she had been given
the assignment TO interview Morrison
Phillips, lately returned from frozen
seas, she knew that her opportunity
had come! And rumor had it that
Phillips, possessed of shyness as
colossal as his achievements. was re-
fusing to be interviewed. In due
course of time his reports would no
doubt be published, but by then the
public would no longer be interested
in what he ate for breakfast.
Three reporters on the Telegram,
to which Jane had been for some time
ably contributing nuptial and obituary
and failed. 1t would be a scoop for
Jane as we'll as the Telegram to ac-
complish the impossible.
Consequently Jane was trembling as
she felt her slim hand engulfed in
masterful Fingers and looked up into
deep-set eyes placed far apart in
weathered face. Still, he was surpris-
ingly young and his youth gave her
confidence.
Miss Spaulding, of the Telegram
believe. Sit down" His voice, firm,
strong, matched his face, thought
To oh 11ly int he oh atr he
drew out for her opposite to his own,
from which he had risen at her en-
trance. And shall 1 begin how I was
born in little shanty on the Missouri
and .pored over books on Arctic travel
by the light of pine knots?' His voice
held a smile and Jane dimpled in re-
Spouse. He was not in the least for
midable.
mot yet" she answered. Then,
What struck you most forcibly on
your return to civilization" she asked
impulsively. after eight years away
from it all, something undoubtedly
impressed you particularly"
Phillips ruminated. Then he spoke
with decision. 1.-The racket; yes. the
internal noise and turmoil! After the
stretches of snow and ice where the
splitting of a floe or the crack of a
sledge can be heard for miles. the in
cessant tumult was well-nigh deafen-
ing!" He looked unseeingly out of the
window and Jane knew that not the
clamoring "L'' trains or the Shrek of
traffic was holding his attention, but
the memories of the frozen wastes he
had traversed.
Suddenly Philips brought his gaze
back to the girl before him and a sud-
den inspiration seized him. He had
forgotten during his years of exile
how lovely a woman could be until
this slip of a girl had come to question
him.
Promise me- and there was a boy
ish impulsiveness in his tone, that
you will not publish a word until
give you permission. I will agree
meanwhile to refuse all interviews.
Lunch with me tomorrow and 1 will
answer any question you may ask!''
Jane left him, dazed. 1t was so
much less than she had hoped for
and SO much more! To become the
recipient of marketable information
and bound to withhold it indefinitely.
Then little flush of happiness quick
ened her heart, She was going to
lunch with him!
Then followed series of tantalizing
and marvellous xpeditions-tantaliZing
because she held at her pencils end
the means of establishing her foot
hold in newspaperdonl; marvellous be-
cause of the association with a man of
delightful personality and fascinating
experience.
Over the dinner table, between acts
at the opera, during long drives about
the city. Phillips talked unrestrainedly
of his adventures, telling to one small
absorbed person all the little details
and big deeds that a gaping public
was on tiptoe to hear-yet at the same
time Withholding just enough to whet
her curiosity and gain the promise of
one more little expedition. James
efficient business sense told her that
she was gathering material for year
work, did she but have its authors
permission to use it.
And like a parallel thread ran an
increasing regard for the man himself,
a fondness for little mannerisms he
had of gesticulation. expressive yet re-
strained, tricks Of speech, a way of
smiling with one corner OF his mouth.
Where was it going to end? Jane
had placated the editor with promises
of ultimate success. but she knew
that the time to strike was while the
iron was hot and that news deferred
is stale.
At last she decided she could wait
no longer. She had promised Phil
lips to dine with him. And over the
small coffee cup, which somehow
looked absolutely tiny in his power
full hands. she explained the situa-
ton.
1--WE got to be let off from my
promise" she concluded. eff / fail in
my first big assignment my doom is
sure. Let me give you a write-up for
the morning edition"
Phillips slowly tapped the ash from
L. IT. L.. Il ELL