The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-22
lust A GIRL
Blu JANE PHELPS
JENA TELLS MIR. CLAYTON HER
DECISION.
Chapter Isl

Chapter 151.
I was so happy that day after my
letter had gone to Kenneth, that even
Mr.. Belts noticed and said:
Something good must have hap
pened to you. Miss Stewart You look
very happy this morning.
There has-something very good"
I replied, then added to myself
have decided.
Mr.. Claxton caught me humming a
little tune over my work.
You are feeling very gay this morn
ing" he said.
Pardon me, thought 1 was alone
Ididn't hear you come in 1 was en-
barrassed that he had caught me sing
ing-
Sing away-but won't you tell me
why you are so happy?'
'Why-yes. L will tell you" I sud-
denly thought it would be easier to get
it over than to have it brought up
again later. 'I wrote Mr.. Lawrence
this morning-rather, last night
But the six months isn't up" He
had turned white.
"No-but L felt it was only fair to
Kenneth to let him know that
couldn't marry him. So 1 wrote him
just as soon as 1 was sure of myself"
you mean=you refused him ?''
The color surged over his face.
Yes. 1 found did not care enough
for him. 1 loved my work more than
L loved him. So If you will keep me,
and let me go on learning to be bust
ness woman. 1 shall be very happy"
Il certainly shall do all I can to
make you happy" was his CRYPTIC an
swer.
That morning I had quite a surprise
Jennie Wilcox came to me and asked
me to lunch with her. 1 had done SO
occasionally, altho 1 still preferred the
small restaurant had gone to the first
day l worked in the office. >
Il am going to be married. Zena."
she said as we walked down the street
arm in arm.
Really! oh, I do hope you will be
happy!" I exclaimed. It seemed
strange that on the very day I had re-
fused to marry, Jennie should tell me
her good news.
ct think shall. 1t is Mr.. Belts"
"Of course, you win He cares a
great deal for you. I think. When is
it going to be?'
Very soon. You see we have
known each other ever so long. am
going to tell Mr.. CIaxton today SO he
can get someone in my place. Mr..
Belts has taken a nice apartment, and
we shall go right to housekeeping. 1
am SO happy over the thought of hav-
ing home of my own, Zenai I have
lived in rooming houses. ever since I
was 8. 1 am 20 now-five years of
it. And 1 am tired of office work.
Mr.. Claxton raised Henry's salary only
the other day. He can give me every
thing 1 need
Il am very glad for you, Jennie But
aren't you afraid you will be lonely
after being in the office so long ?"
No, indeed And Henry wouldn't
think of letting me stay He says
wife's place is in her husbands home
if he can afford to keep her there
And then he adds that if he can't af-
ford it, he shouldn't marry. 1 guess
most, men feel that way"
hTey seem to. Even Tom is PLAN
ming to have Mary remain at home
when his new ideas are worked
out" Jennie had become quite well
acquainted with Tom and Mary thru
going to the restaurant for pancakes
with Mr.. Belts.
\ Really That will be nice. I shall
ask her to come and see me. 1 like
her so much.''
MARY is pure gold, Jennie. And
Tom is also. I never saw anyone hap
pier than they are together. If you
are as happy you will be very fortu-
nate" Then, fearing eJnnie might
think doubted she would be happy.
added: And 1 am sure you and Mr..
Belts will be just as congenial"
L think SO, Zena. 1 used to be ter
ribly Jealous was jealous of you at
first, you know. But he says 1 never
need fear again, that he is sure 1 am
the one girl for him. I wish you were
going to be married, too, Zena, and
have home of your own
u have home with my mother.
you know. L shall stick to business"
CTomorrow-A business woman.)