The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-08-09
JUST GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
THE SUNDAY CALL.
CHAPTER 81.

harold moore come 1Or me on sun
day as he had promised. 1 had told
Mary, and chad, been numerically
teased. Her Il told you So" and
''There1l be wedding pretty SOON"
fused" me a little, altho l tried not
to. let her see it.
He looked very neat, but L thought,
as 1 looked at his well brushed but
shiny clothes, that he-must be poorer
than 1 thought. They were the same
clothes he wore every day.
L had dressed up" as Mary said.
And altho my dress was the simplest
afternoon freck L had, l felt sOmeway
sorry I had not also worn the tailor
suit that 1 wore to work.
"YouAl look charming" Harold said,
! flushing a bit as he complimented me.
You don't mind my saying sop
Not in the least. 1 rather enjoy a
compliment to tell the truth wo-
mans failing, you know!"
We walked out to a small park
then sat down and rested a while and
watched the motor cars driving by
with their gay loads. Once when a
couple in a runabout attracted our at
tention, Harold remarked:
81 Would-Hke to own runabout.
II had a -" I stopped. covered
with confusion. Without thinking 1
had been about to speak of myS1ittle
car that Dad had given me after 4
had been graduated
You have had things saw that
right away" he returned quietly, then
changed the subject. He was really
most kind, and tactfuh
After a time we resumed our walk.
Suddenly I saw the two fellows, Mike
and Joe, coming toward US. I felt
myself flush. Would they have the
impudence to speak to me, and if they
did, what would Harold. Moore think
of me?
They came staggering towards US,
dressed loudly, swinging their sticks,
hats on one side.
How do you doi' 1t was said 81
multaneously. Then the one named
Mike added, "Out for a walk, 1 see.
Your fellow is in luck. Introduce u.s."
They had stopped directly before
US, so blocking the sidewalk. Harold
Moore had not spoken, but he now
quietly laid his hand on my arm. Thf
simple action gave me courage, and I
said:
Mr.. Moore will have no interest In
knowing you. Please let US pass"
"How-de-do, Moore!" Mike ignored
me THE lady is an old friend of
mine OF Joe's too. We was think
in of calm this evening on her and
her pal"
I fairly gasped, then without reply
ing. started to pass them, almost drag
ging HarSld with me-
after us in the fellows coarse. sheer
ing voice.
"Oh. hope you don't think they
are friends of mine!' 1 exclaimed, my
face crimson with modification,
They don't seem your Sort
They are not. 1 took my meals at
a cafeteria near where 1 live. \ They
saw Mary and me there and spoke to
u.s. We refused to know them, and
they have followed US, or rather
spoken to us when they met us in the
street. We have done all we could to
discourage them, but it seems they
aren't the kind who mind rebuffs."
'I should say not! If they annoy
you again let me know. will you?
There are ways of dealing with such
ruffians."
"Oh, I wouldn't have you get into
trouble on my account for anythingi
You might get hurt" To be honest, L
was just bit thrilled at the idea of
this quiet, unassuming fellow becom-
ing my champion. fighting for me if
need be. And also. to be honest, I
was disappointed when he said:
II don't mean to fight them, so don't
worry would have them arrested
for annoying YOU
Women ARE hard to please!
Tomorrow growing friendship)