The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-05
EDening Story
Fate in an Ash Can.
BY a. W. PEACH.

mary turned heE BACK upon MIN
and looked out of the window into
the Justified street. Her fingers
picked at the curtain, but her mind
was busy. She was almost ready to
turn and fly into his arms-why did
his mere presence stir her so? But
she kept herself in hand and listened.
Tomorrow ! go to New York. In
the morning 1 am sailing for London.
If you love me, ask me to come back
as soon as 1 complete my business
for the firm. If you do not, 1 may
not come back for years. 1 can stay
as the firms agent will have Moth
ing to come back for. you know" he
said, his voice ending with light note
of amusement.
She turned upon him and looked at
him thOughtfully. Tall and slim, he
stood before her, his dark blue eyes
resting tenderly upon her. But that
note IN his voice
STANLEY. I do think so much of you
so much-but something always
holds me back. You are 500 in
clined to take things lightly. and I
don't want to be taken lightly-never,
never! No-please don't touch me!
There seems to be so little you regard
seriously-many things that 1 do; and
I don't want to intrust my life to you
and yet"-her voice broke-'I do"
She stayed his quick effort to fold
her in his arms.
please give me time. I'll write
final decision. I'll write if 1 will
marry you; if 1 don't write, then
you'll know
He>nodded. Eyes. I will know" he
added easily, completing her unfin.
ished sentence. But, remember, il
you write, the letter must go out to-
night. If you do not write,y my dear
one, you will never be bothered by me
again-tho L know 1 shall never for
get you"
When he had gone, she went slowly
10 her room. face to face with the
decision that meant more than any
other decision she would ever make.
She sat down at the desk and unused.
Ills easy ways of disposing of matters
of right and wrong, his offhand de-
cisions, his careless attitude toward
much that she thought deserved care
AL had combined to make her won
der.
A knock on the door was followed
by the appearance of one of the girls
in the house.
Hello, Mary Mary. and what are
you doing-being contrary? Say, 1
saw Stanley here. He is one bonny
specimen of man. Bat. honest.
honey I hope you won't marry him!
feel guilty for introducing him to
you" Bertha said soberly.
Mary looked keenly at her old
friend. We'll, am to decide in the
"Yesr'
TT wish you wouldn't"
Mary smiled. Bert have you some
thing you want to tell me and yet
won't?"
The other sat in silence, the laughter
gone. from her eyes and face. Then,
after a little, she spoke:
HE is attractive, but there is some
thing-but I can't tell you"
Mary's hands grew cold on the desk
l.
Of years would not mention gossip.
Bert, this is serious. 1 am doubtful
about Stanley, but only little. and If
you know anything tell me. 1 do
want to be happy with him-or with
out himl"
II know this" Bertha answered. her
face pale. He writes letters every
now and then to L girl in his old home,
and I know he has gone to see her.
He doesn't dictate them to pe-but
happened to glance at one on his desk
and it was a loving affair.
You see. He's that way. You're
sort of a cold beauty that challenges
a man like him.
Mary smiled family. "Perhaps-but
he has a right to care for some one
else. We are not engaged"
Il know" Bertha answered. "but
just the same it would be better, if
he loves you so. that he leave others
alone"
MARY comment was a little cry
1T would be better-it wouId!'
But. oh, honey, I can't talk about
L any MORE hope-well-gOod
Mary turned to the desk once more
Out of the minutes of thought came
me f1naI decision He was trusted
md liked in the great importing firm;
ne mad the respect of strong men;
surely he would be true to her if he
vas to them.
She wrote the letter, slipped on a
coat and went out to the mail box on
Ter way she passed a house where
'upnor had told of scandal and heart
break. and she paused, the cold ques-
ion rising in her heart: Suppose that
night happen to me? Must I run the
'isk?" Her imagination doomed. She
Znew she could love one man and one
,nly. The risk, No, she would not