Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1913-03-28
CHANGED HER MIND
BY CECILIA MoRDAUnT.


Really, Phil, l cant marry youi~
exclaimed Helen Ayres impatiently.
i've said No, now. for the last time.
Please don't bother me any more
about it, I'm never going to marry
anybody. My work absorbs my whole
life"
Philip Jordan accepted her refusal
without comment. 1t was the seventh
time he had asked Helen to be his
wife He was quite used to hearing
her say No" but Philip had his own
Ideas about her career"
"All right. my dear; but lunch with
me tomorrow, anyway, at the tea
room"
Il can't" she replied in terse man
ner I'm going to meet Harriet West
We were at school together. and I've
not seen her for five years. Harriet
took up social service work and
newspaper work, then magazine writ
ing. We promised to meet on the 9TH
Of November, Harriet's birthday, az
the end OF five years and tell each
other all about our progress
Harriet is coming to New York.
and we are to lunch at Sherrys.
DO you think she will be thers3
inquired Philip
"Of course she will Harriet was as
keen about her work as I am about
mine How we will enjoy talking over
schooldays and the fulfllment OF our
ambitionsl"
We'll, will you dine with me? After
the intellectual afternoon. perhaps you
may need some recreation. Wen go
for a motor ride afterward."
Thank you, Phil; I can't promise
Perhaps; I'll call you up at the club If
I decide 10 do So"
At l o'clock the next day. Helen.
dressed in her prettiest afternoon
frock, wearing a huge bunch Of violets,
waited in the reception room at Sher-
rvs. She looked with inquiring In
terest into the eyes OF all the women
who entered. Some of them she bow
ed to, exchanging a few words OF
greeting with others. for successful
writer OF clever stories has many
friends.
At 1870 Helen glanced at her little
jeweled watch with a frown Of impa-
thence. Harriet had not arrived. Sure
ly she could not have forgotten the
engagement, although Helen had re
ceived no reply from note she had
sent to the Philadelphia address OF
her friend, reminding her OF their
pact
One-forty-f1ve. Helen began to grow
fdgety. Two o'clock. She had waited
an hour. Well, there was no need to
wait longer. She called up her apart
ment to see il any message had come
from the absent Harriet Nothing
there. so she ordered a salad and some
coffee and ate her lunch alone. won
dering what could have happened to
her friend. She would walk home.
The cold air and bright sunshine
would do her good.
AS she was passing a little toy shop
on Eighth avenue her attention. was
attracted by a small child clinging 70
her mothers hand and crying for a
beautifully dressed doll which stood
dow
NO, darling mother cannot get It
for you. Just look at the dollie, dear,
and maybe Santa Claus will bring
Helen one"
Attracted by the child's name. Helen
paused beside the little girl. The
mother turned. Helen Ayers-youl"
she exclaimed.
Harriet West Why, did you
forget your engagement to lunch with
me-"
Engagement" Harriet looked puz-
zled
YES. didn't you receive my note?
sent It to your home address. And
what are you doing with that child ?"
This is my little daughter. Helen.
named for you. dear. Come. darling.
speak nicely to the lady"
You married. What made you
change your mind and give up your
work? Oh, Harriet" There was dis
appointment in Helen's voice.
yes. dear. l married. Ted Mitchell
nearly four years ago. We have lived /
in New York two years"
But Why"
Because he loved me-and | fell In /
love with him Oh, Helen. do come
home with me for tea Ted will be so (
glad to meet you. He's so often heard (
me speak OF you He is the dearest I
husband in the world"
So Helen permitted herself to be led
home with Harriet Mitchell and baby
Helen. Then she met Ted-the won