South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-04-08
HOW 1T HAPPENED THAT
KATIE GAVE NOTICE"


KATIE GAVE NOTICE"
poured myself another cup Of
cofIee, drank IL mechanically. and
touched the belt for Katie 10 clear
away the breakfast things.
did not try TO disguise 10 my
self the fact that I was extremely
n iserable. The announcement that
Dicky's mother was coming 10 live
with US had upset me, and the ex-
hibition Of Dicky'V selfshness which
1 had just witnessed added TO my
Unhappiness.
The day at Marvin, on which |
had so counted, had been a disap-
pOintment TO me on account of the
attention Dicky had paid to Miss
Draper. 1 reflected bitterly to my
self that l might just as well have
spent the afternoon with Mrs. Smith
Of the Lotus club, discussing the
history course which she wished me
10 undertake for the club.
The thought of Mrs. Smith re-
minded ne Of the promise / had
made her when leaving for Marvin
that l would call her up on my re-
turn and tell her when | could meet
her. 1 resolved to telephone her
at once.
You no want noting more, Miss
Is Graham ?" Katie's distressed voice
stopped me as I rose from the table.
Nothing more tbs morning.
thank you, Katie" returned. smil.
ing at her. Katie's genuine interest
ir me and concern for my welfare
IS most comforting sometimes.
You no eat much as little cana
~ bird, she grumbled as she clear
ed the table, and indeed her com
Plant was somewhat justified. 1
had only tOyed with the food on my
Plate.
l debated for long minute be
fore calling Mrs. Smith. trying 10
decide what attitude I should adopt
toward her. When she had first
telephCned ice, making the appoint
ment to meet me at the little tea
room, | had been charmed with her
voice and manner. Then she had
abruptly broken the appointment,
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
prejudiced me against her as had
her voice and manner when the
next morning she had called me up,
the masseuse had disappointed her
and that she would like her orig
inal appointment When / told her
that I was just leaving with my
husband for a day in the country
she had been almost offensive.
Evidently she expected me TO de-
fer TO her whims. Perhaps was
panie-stricken as 1 thought of it
perhaps she had reconsidered her
decision to offer me the leadership
OF the study coursel I had not real
lied how much I had counted on
this chance 10 make some money OF
my own. until the possibility that
I might lose it struck me.
But my self-respect soon asserted
itself. Even for the money which
I wanted so much / could not allow
Mrs. Smith TO ride rOugh-shod over
me.
l drew a long breath as I took
down the tele phone receiver. / felt
as if l were about TO take a cold
plunge or a shower bath.
"CheIsa S769." My voice was not
steady as | 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. l heard
her voice.
This is Mrs. Smith. Who is this.
please p
Mrs Richard Graham"
OH Just the mOnosyllable and
then silence. Evidently she meant %
throw the burden of the converse
ton on me.
You may remember. Mrs.
Smith" ] began smoothly, that
told you yesterday morning / would