The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-08-27
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
A WONDERFUL WOMAN.
CHAPTER n.

Altho the first room would have
answered very well. both Mrs. Fagin
and I wanted 10 see the other before
we decided. was so happy, so
astonished at her kindness to us-two
girls who had no claim whatever on
her-that I chartered like a child of
six as we took the car. The other
room was quite a distance away, and
Mrs. Fagil had to get home to look
after her roomers.
This is the best place" she said
as we found the address. Il mean it
is the best locality. See how busy the
street is, how many people are out,
If you want to do business you have
got to go where the people are.
I agreed with her-as who would
not? But when we saw the inside of
the place almost changed my mind.
1t was not in nearly as good shape
as the first place had been-was
dilapidated, in fact. The only thing 1
could see ir its favor, aside from the
location, was the tiny closet-like room
at the rear. But Mrs. Fagin saw pos
sibilities at once.
Your stove can go in here" she
spoke of the rear room; Shelves can
go up above it. There can be a little
pipe set in the roof" which was simply
a sort of slanting lean-to. land that
Will carry off any smoke or smells"
But everything is in such awful
condition. I objected. The, other
placed looked more attractive"
MOSTLY plain dirt. After we scrub
it out here, you'll see,''
Her decided manner assured me.
OF course you know best, but will
that real estate man do. all that s
necessary 20 make it clean and nice?
It will have to be painted. the floor
flxed, and see. some of the windows
are cracked
"Tll make him fix it up" After
ward knew that she had spoken with
more assurance than she felt: but also
that she had determined to do what
we wanted done herself rather than
have us disappointed
The room was about 20 by 80 feet.
There was one eood-sized window and
glass in the door, so giving light
enough during the day. AS we would
close about six or half past six O'Clock,
our electric light bill would be small
save for few months in the winter.
1t would be nothing.
AFTER We had planned a while. and
mad written down everything the
place needed to make it attractive, we
hurried back to the real estate office.
I thought you would choose that
place" the agent said to Mrs. Faein.
II IS better situated for your bust
TT is in awful shape. Here's what
it needs" and she reached for the
paper.
"Whewl This looks as If there
wouldn't be much in it for the own
err! he exclaimed as he ran his eye
down the page.
Mostly soap and water and paint"
laconically returned Mrs. Fagin.
Il see!-um-floor painted I don't
know about that Paint and labor are
both very high now, and that floor
terrupted.
When will it be ready7" she asked.
You are taking a lot for granted,
Mrs. Fagin." 1 noticed his eyes twin
killed. as he looked at her
Sure am. Don't 1 know who I'm
dealin' with? Amt I paid YOU too
much rent for years? You've got a
chance now to square it, and you amt
the man to refuse a poor widow a
little paint"
"One would never make a mistake
rolled your way all right"
asked you when it could be
ready! 1 am in hurry to sell you
them pancakes"
He looked at another book, did a
little figuring, called some painter on
the telephone, then said:
ut will take three weeks"
The rent not to commence until Ii
is all ready" she returned. "and be
sure you don't disappoint us in the
time
Don't worry, it will be ready. 1
want those pancakes"
You wonderful woman I said
hugsings Mrs Fagin's arm as we hur-
ried home. You wonderful, wonder
full womani"
(Tomorrow-Busy day)