The Lamar register., 1913-02-12
CHANGED HER MIND
sy CECILIA MoRoAuNr.

about It I'm never going to marry
anybody. Ny work absorbs my whole
MIA"
Philip Jordan accepted her refusal
without comment 1t was the seventh
vita. He was quite used to hearing
her say "No, but Philip had his own
ideas about her career"
"A right. my dear; but lunch with
me tomorrow. anyway, At the tea
room"
Il can't" she replied in a terse man
nsr. TIN going to meet Harriet West.
We were at school together. and I've
not seen her for flve years. Harriet
took up social service work and L
newspaper work. then magazine writ
ing. We promised to meet on the 9Th
Of November, Harr1et's birthday. at
the end Of Ave years and tell each
other all about our progress.
Harriet is coming to New York.
and we are to lunch at Sherry's."
do you think she will be theref
inquired Philip.
-Of course she will. Harriet was as
keen about her work az am about
mine. How we will enjoy talking over
schooldays and the fulfillment of our
ambitionsi"
We'll. VIII you dine with mef After
the intellectual afternoon. perhaps you
may need some recreation. Well 60
for q motor ride afterward."
Thank you. Phil; can't promise
Perhaps; I'll call you up at the club II
I decide to do So"
At l o'clock the next day. Helen,
dressed in her prettiest afternoon
frock, wearing 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 a successful
writer Of clever stories has many
friends.
At 1880 Helen glanced at her little
jeweled watch with q frown of impa,
thence. Harriet had not arrived. Sure
iy she could not have forgotten the
engagement, although Helen had re-
ceived no reply from a note she had
sent to the Philadelphia address Of
her friend. reminding her Of their
pact.
One-forty-fve. Helen began to grow
hdgety. Two o'clock. She had waited
an hour. Well. there was no need to
wait longer. She called up her apart
ment to see II any message had come
from the absent Harriet Nothing
there. 20 she ordered . salad and some
coffee and ate her lunch alone. won
dering what could have happened to
her friend. She would walk homo.
The cold air and bright sunshine
would do her good.
As she was passing little toy shop
on Eighth avenue her attention was
attracted by a small child clinging to
her mothers hand and crying for .
beautifully dressed doll which stood
with outstretched hands In the win
dow.
mo. darling: mother cannot get II
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-youi"
she exclaimed.
Harriet westi Why, lid you
forget your engagement to lunch with
mer'
Engagement" Harriet looked pux.
zled.
"Yes. didn't you receive my notef
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. 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
husband in the world"
So Helen permitted herself to be LED
home with Harriet Mitchell and baby
Helen. Then she met Ted-the won
derful Ted, who was really q very
commonplace person. but devoted tc
his wife and little daughter.
They were such happy trio. 30 low