The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-10-29
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
KENNETH LAWRENCE.
CHAPTER 131.

CHAPTER ISL.
did not tell either mother or Mary
of Mr.. Claxton's proposal. I knew they
would both favor him, and there was
Kenneth. A wire had told me the
train upon which he would arrive, and
that he would be with us as soon as
possible. Mother loked at me sharply
when the message came.
He seems to be sure of his well
come" she remarked rather dryly. To
her he was one of the least known,
and the least desirable of all the young
men who used to call at our house.
Then she also knew that I had heard
years, and so rather wondered at his
sudden friendliness-as she called it.
In my heart called it something else
-Iovei
My respect for what I considered
Kenneth Lawrence's peculiar capabili-
ties had grown by the thoughts it fed
upon. 1 had made him head and
shoulders above the other young men
who idled away their time, while he
was running a big ranch. I had taken
him as seriously as I had been obliged
to take myself. Naturally, 1 also took
his visit to have serious import.
1t was on Saturday night he had
wired he would reach Chicago. I was
delighted because I would have all day
Sunday with him-and there would be
much to talk about, much to explain.
He knew nothing at all of US, save
that we had lost dad. Probably he
had learned that we had lost our
money, but I knew he would not i'm
agine for moment that We had lost it
all, or that I had been obliged to go
to work.
Mother and I were sitting in our
little living room when the telephone
rang. She had been reading, 1 try
ing to.
"Helio-is this Miss stewart?''
"YeST'
This is Kenneth Lawrence. I am
telephoning from the hotel. I will be
with you as soon as freshen up a lit
tie. Say half an hour"
My voice trembled as said would
be very glad to see him.
"I judge it is Mr.. Lawrence" mother
remarked. looking up from her book.
Eyes, he will be here in half an
hour"
IT ordered some things so you could
give him little supper if you wish
her hospitable nature interested at
once by guest. -
THANK you, mother. He may have
had an early dinner on the train, and
be glad of something"
I was so excited I could scarcely
keep still. But the same feeling I had
against talking of him still held me
silent. II he found me so changed
he did not care for me, I should be
forever shamed even to have mother
know.
did not feel certain that I wanted
to marry Kenneth Lawrence even if
he should ask me. I desperately want
ed to see him, to t7lk with him. And
knew that inoth"r would not under
stand this, even if I tried to explain
had held him in my heart, in my
thoughts, as my ideal man for long.
Yet I loved my work, was happy and
satisfied.
suddenly became very quiet. All
excitement left me. The ringing of
the bell told me Kenneth had come.
Mother opened the door. 1 heard
voices. Then she said,
You will find Zena in there"
rose, but made no move to meet
him. Then his hands held mine, and
he was telling me in a very rush of
words how glad he was to see me.
take my hands in his and tell it all
over again. Finally we became more
quietly conversational, and I called
mother.
Come in, mother, you will be glad
to talk with Kenneth. I know"
DO, Mrs. Stewart" Kenneth rose
and drew up an easy chair for her.
Kenneth told US many things about
his ranch life. He told of his i'll
superintendent who now was so i'm
proved ne could look after things. He
asked no questions, altho his eyes
plainly told his surprise at our humble
surroundings, SO different from the
luxurious home in which we lived
when he met me.
We had the bite of supper mother
had suggested, and then he left us,
promising to return early the next day
Perhaps you will accompany as to
church and then dine with u.s."
mother had said graciously, and he
had quickly accepted her Invitation.
That night I lay long awake. I was
troubled-for no reason. I thought of
my work, my success in the bond de-
partment, of Frank Claxton. Then
when slept 1t was of him dreamed.
CTomorrow-Kenneth hears the
story.)