New Britain herald., 1915-12-22
How It Happened That Katie "Gave
 NOtice''

Notice''
 I poured myself another cup of coffee, drank it mechanically, and touched the bell for Katie to clear away the breakfast things.
 I did not try to disguise to myself the fact that I was extremely miser- able. The announcement that Dicky's mother was coming to live with us had upset me, and the exhibition of Dicky's selfshness which I had just witnessed added to my unhappiness.
 The day at Marvin, on which I had so counted, had been a disappoint- ment to me on account of the atten- ton Dicky had paid to Miss Draper I reflected bitterly to myself that I might just as well have spent the af- ternoon with Mrs. Smith of the Lotus Study club discussing the history course which she wished me to un- dertake for the club.
 The thought of Mrs Smith re- minded me of the promise I had made her, when leaving for Marvin that I would call her up on my return, and tell her when I could meet her. I resolved to telephone her at once
 You no want noting more Misses Graham ?'' Katie's distressed voice stopped me as I rose from the table. " Nothing more this morning, thank you Katie,' I returned smiling at her. Katies genuine interest in me and concern for my welfare is most com forting sometimes
 "You nQ each much as little cs-na-ry bird,': she grumbled as she cleared the table, and indeed her com pla1nt was somewhat justified. I had only toyed with the food on my plate
 l debated for a long minute before calling Mrs. Smith. trying to decide what attitude I should adopt toward her. When she had first tele phoned me, making the appointment to meet me at the little tearoom, I had been charmed with her voice and manner Then she had abruptly broken the ap- pointment, giving the trivial excuse that the hour she had given me was the one her masseuse usually gave her.
 But even that action had not preiu- diced me against her as had her voice and manner when the next morning she had called me up, say ing the masseuse had disappointed her and that she would like her original appointment. When II told her that was just leaving with my huspand Tor a day in the country she had been most offensive.
 @ls< The Engagement Made. .....< Evidently she expected me to defer 10 her Whims. Perhaps-I was panic-stricken as I thought of it-per- haps she had reconsidered her de- clslon to offer me the leadership of the study course! I had not realized how much I had counted on this chance to make some money of my own, until the possibility that might lose it struck me.
 But my self-respect soon asserted itself. Even for the money which I wanted so much I could not allow Mrs. Smith to ride rough-hrod over me.
 I drew a long breath as took down the telephone receiver. I felt as if I were about to take a cold plunge or Q shower bath. "Chelsea S769." My voice was not steady as I gave the number to the operator.
 But, it did not tremble in the least when after a maid had summoned Mrs. Smith to the phone, heard her. voice.
 'This is Mrs. Smith. Who is this l p1ease?''
 Mrs Richard Graham" "Oh!' Just the monosyllable and | then silence. Evidently she meant to | throw the burden of the conversation | on me.
 ! You may remember, Mrs. Smith," began smoothly, that I told you | yesterday morning I would call you l VI 1 ing. It was too late last night when I returned for me to disturb you, so I am taking the first opportunity this morning.
 l I stopped short there, for I did 1 not wish to suggest an appointment if she had already decided not to offer me the position I would not allow | her to give me that humiliation . : There was another long pause, so long in fact that in another instant I should have hung up the receiver. Mrs. Smiths voice sounded in my ears just in time.
 "Oh, yes, Mrs Graham, remember | now" she began as if she had diff cu1ty in placing me in her mind. I ! krew by her tone that she had de- cided to put her wounded feelings 1 aside, and leave her proposition still open to me.
 l Could you meet me this afternoon at at the little tea room on Twenty eighth street of which we spoke the 1 ether day?'
 "The Sign of the Spinning Wheel? |? Yes I can be there at 3. Goodbye" The click of the receiver told me the conversation was finished
 felt thrill of purely feminine tri- umph as turned away from the tele- phone. I knew that Mrs. Smith would have declined to see me if she had consulted only her own inclina- tons. That she still wished me to .4,,