The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-10-15
IsoBEL.s LITTLE DINER.
(By Euphemia Holden illustrated by
Resale Arthur

(By Euphemia Holden. illustrated by
Resale Arthur
Mother" said Isobel one morning
before school. IF you and papa are
going out to dinner, III invite Jean
Stewart to come home with me-"
who's Jean2" asked her mother
Shes my seat mate. She's new
this year
Amy relative to the Mrs. stewart
who made your new waists2 Where
did you hear of her2''
She's Jeans mother replied Isobel
quietly.
How'd she get into Miss DamOn's ?"
inquired Mrs. Strickland.
Il guess because both of EN- are Ia
dies, said IsobeI.
We'll" she certainly makes pretty
waists Ask Jean if you want to.
You have funny tastes, just like your
father You might go with the most
fashionable girls in the city-what's
the matter with Martha Chester and
you? Her mother told me at a tea the
other day she hadn't seen you this
fall"
Martha didn't like it because 1 sat
with Jean and took her up. Jean S
more fun. She knows lot
There you go again, always want
ing to learn something. I'm afraid
you'll never be a social success.
well, never mind, AIommy," re-
turned Isobel, lovingly. You're beau
tiful enough and sweet enough for the
Mrs. Strickland accepted her
daughters caress indulgently, but she
did not return it. For the first time
Isobel felt curious little hunger. She
knew of some mothers who did not
wait for their children to do the low
ing.
Jean was delighted with her invita-
ton to dinner. and appeared at the
stricklands' door promptly at half
Mr. and Mrs. Strickland were just
leaving
This is Jean Stewart, mother" Iso-
bel said, and Mrs. Strickland shook
hands pleasantly Mr.. Strickland talked
to Jean some little time, while Isobei
helped her mother with her beautiful
wrap and final touches on her soft
hair and exquisite flowers and jewels.
Goodbye. goodbye" called the
girls as the maid opened the door.
Goodbye" came the answer back
BE good, and have good time said
Mr.. Strickland
The dinner table was set with as
much care and formality for the two
girls as for a really dinner party.
ooh, Isobel,' breathed Jean, how
lovely it all it; and your mother
she's perfectly beautiful. How happy
you must be in this house, and with
everything you could wish for"
I'm glad you like it. I do think it.
pretty I think it's not so wonderful
as just comfortable. Didn't you like
EaDa
HE was so dear and gentlel He
asked me about school, and what I
liked to do, and-isn't he fine, Isobel p
IsobeI gave a short nod. There
were tears in her eyes.
Hes the best cOmrade you ever
knew" she said at last. Il sometimes
wonder how he remembers never to
forget to be a boy
Jean laughed a little, but there were
tears in her eyes, too.
MY father died quite while ago,
and my uncle is-different."
Have some more salad" said Iso--
bel and then they began to talk of
school and books and the theater
while the skillful maid attended to
their wants almost before they knew
them.
After dinner they went to IsobeTs
room, a large front one Oh the third
floor, the windows of which overlooked
rs this all your own?'' cried Jean.
Mercy It's almost as big as our
whole fat."
Then they both laughed merrily.
It's the very dearest old place in
the whole world said Isobel. You
know it's kind of silly idea, but I feel
SO safe here. It's just like my castle.
And you know not even mama or papa
comes in without knocking. It's so nice
of them. dream lots of dreams here
and there are all the books love best
Shall we do lessons first and play after
ward ?"
Jean wandered over to the book case.
4 like to dream dreams and read
too" she said, but I don't have great
deal of time. It's just as well. I'd be
good for nothing if I had all the nice
things you have They don't spoil you
a bit"
I think you're just as happy as 7
am" replied Isobel. Just because
Papa can give me these things is the
only reason I have them. But if I
didn't love him or didn't have him
they wouldn't mean anything
That's what I think about Mama Sc
said Jean brightly 4 can stand do
ing without anything if I have her.
IsObel nodded. Then the two girls
attacked their arithmetic lesson vigor-
ously and silence prevailed for some
time.
When the examples were done play
began and after a jolly talk and run
hHd