The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-10-09
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
JENA ANSWERS TOMS LETTER

Chapter ia
Il waited until 1 knew when the next
mail boat sailed. then wrote Tony. I
felt that 1 owed it to him to let him
know as quickly as possible that there
was nothing to hope from me. I liked
Tony very much. but never could
have married him-not even In the old
days.
So wrote:
Dear Tony:-I was surprised to
get YOUR letter. I did not expect
your would have time to write be-
fore YOU sailed. You foolish boy to
keep urging me to marry you! L
am extremely fond of you-you are
a part of my happy past. But I
have no desire to marry-you or
anyone. And as told you. I SHAH
remain with Mrs. Fagin until Mary
is ready for me. 1t will almost
break her dear old heart as it is
to lose US both at once. They have
taken nice little apartment near
the shop. 1t is going to be furn-
ished very prettily, so forget that
dfngy apartment at Mrs. Fagin's
when you think of me.
"My work keeps me very busy,
Tony. I wouldn't dare do often as
did when you were here. haven't
strength enough to play so hard,
and to work too. And my work is
extent. Happiness is a matter of
comparison at best, isn't it? Then
I am SO busy haven't time to think.
You work hard yourself, Tony, SO
you know I am right.
with sincere wishes for your
success and happiness.
"zena Stewart"
Some way after I had mailed the
letter, I felt as if another link be
tween myself and my old life had beer
broken. Would I ever regret what
had done? Ever be sorry / had MOI
made Mother comfortable, and myseli
also, by marrying Tony Deland?
knew that many clever girls would
have jumped at the chance. He wa!
kind, of good character and immense.
ly wealthy. 1t seemed as if he had
everything a girl would require in the
man she would want to marry-yet
had deliberately put him out of my
life.
But had little time for regretting
We were very busy at the office, and
more work than usual devolved upor
me, and more responsibility.
Then, too, l once more perceived
change in the attitude of the manager
toward me. He smiled and snirked a
me and went out of his way to do ms
favors. Naturally could say nothing
but I far preferred his moody aloof
ness. MISS WILCOX ulSO dCIeu
emily. She watched me closely, almos
as if she thought I was trying to de
something I shouldn't. and she wanted
to detect me in the act.
But 1 tried not to notice-at least
not to let them know 1 did. Often Mr.
Belts and Miss Wilcox would be talk.
ing together in the outer office. If
went thru, the suddenness with which
their conversation ceased, as we'll a:
the chances cast in my direction, lef
no doubt that 1 was the subject OF
their discussion.
Then because of some extra work
had shown I could do in the bond de.
partment, Mr.. Claxton raised my sal
airy IS. L was now going to have $40 e
week. it was fortune! Only a short yeal
before 1 had collapsed from overworl
at the shop, had been depressed. dis
couraged. l hurried home to share
my good news with Mary.
''I knew you'd get a big salary there
He's the right kind of boss. DON
let you work yourself to death with
out paying any attention. Then h
ought to pay something extra for hav
ing such smart pretty, educated CIR
in his office. He knows not many rea
ladies like you ever make good If the,
has to work. He's all to the merry
Now that I am so rich. Mary, 1 an
going to give T8m surprise. You vii
have to help me, you and Mrs. Fagin.'
"What-"
''You know you decided to be mar
ried in your own flat Well, 1 an
going TO give you a wedding supper
I'll have a cake, and do things in style
Won't that be great fun?''
why Zena. Tom will think he i!
marrying a real lady instead of pool
girl like me-
You are real lady. Mary. And
you don't get married every day, yor
know"
'I should hope mott I amt no Nor.
mon." she replied between smiles and
tears.
In just two weeks they were to be
married. short time to do all had
planned.
ITO be cnntin11edl