The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-17
Eoening Story
Two in One.
BY DOROTHY DOUGLASS.


They were. both approaching the
same destination-he from the west
OF Blocker street, and she from the
east.
The tiny vacant shop that occupied
a position as near the center of the
block as was possible was their desti-
nation.
So far, however, John was quite
unconscious of slip of girl in
rakish black velvet tam-o'-shanter
with a huge orange tassel dangling
over one ear, and equally unconscious
was Eva of the approach of big man
! in loose fitting tweeds that somehow
proclaimed an Individual character
not one of the common or garden va
riety of young man.
Each was bent on inspecting with
view to renting the tiny shop on
Blocker street that boosted a new coat
of green paint around the quaint lit
tie door and deeently large window.
Eva spent priceless second or two
in alteration of it before she realized
that the tall young man approaching
| had drawn a key from his pocket and
was even then inserting it in the huge
! lock-
| She caught an indignant breath,
for her key which the real estate agent
| had lent her was still in the archives
of her beaded bag.
Condor was scarcely inside the
green door on his tour of inspection
when he knew he had been followed
and turned to see Eva, scarlet checked
ana ready to quarrel, on the same mis-
sion. He. however, had arrived first
and knew he liked the small shop we'll
enough to sign a lease.
! Eva too liked it. There couldn't
| be more adorable, more perfect shop
the location was ideal The window
was exquisite for the display of her
| CUSHIONS, shoe boxes and dainty bits
| OF convenience for the small home
me rent was considerably more than
she felt equal to, but Eva held high
hopes and was not to be daunted at
the very start. But was this first ar
| rival In the shop going to be her first
obstacle? She glanced tragieally at
the length of his legs and knew he
could easily eutwalk her to the real
estate office and sign a lease for the
shop before she could hope to get
there. The telephone would not be
satisfactory should she even by SUPER
human effort manage to get the num-
Der within an hour.
Eva knew by the satisfaction writ
ten all over him that he had found
just what he wanted. Eva felt desper-
ate. Had Condor been the kind of
! man any one could hate that emo
ten would assuredly have arisen in
| Eva's breast.
Nifty little shop" he said, turning
[ on her suddenly. 81 have combed the
village for just such a place"
so have l." Eva's voice was plain
tive and her eyes-well. Condor had
his first look into them.
"Oh, 1 say" he said, regretfulIy.
were you interested too?'
Interested" exclaimed Eva, "I
never saw more adorable little shop.
l could just die happy if 1 were sue
cessful in it,
| Condon launched
it?'
He looked at Eva with speculative
eyes.
What is your line? Baths, painted
lingerie or something strictly femi-
miner" 80. ~
Nothing SO artistic" Eva told him,
Il make shoe boxes and all kinds of
accessories like feetstools. cushions
and useful things that can be used
openly and not hidden behind the
piano as things are in many studios
| Condor spent another moment in
| contemplation. .
| rs there any reason why we could
MT take the shop together? Il will be
alone in my business and would have
to put up a card, out for lunch or
| Home with a cold if 1 couldn't be
here. I make all kinds of brass, cop
per and carved wood oddments and !
think our stocks would jog along
rather well together" s
How about us, tho?" f3va's
hopes had risen high. The idea was
splendid and they could help each
other in ne end of ways
I'm willing to take a chance If you
are" Condor said, and offered his
hand.
+ They shook hands and each was
conscious Of having formed a delight
full partnership.
They took immediate possession oil
the shop and at Eva's suggestion
called it the 1.-TWO in One" and Con.
don with a tin of blue paint and goodly
sized brush put the name over this
green door. His most artistic heater
copper knocker he also added to the
door. Eva put exquisite soft blue
curtains against the green of the win.
dow frame and with mellow yellow
light behind the Two in One" shor