The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-06

MIR. CLAYTON DIMES AT ZENA'S
HOME
BIZ JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER las,

SI1<AE Loo.
'sWell, Miss Zena, did your aunt ar
river" Mr.. Claxton asked before I
could get to thank him for the flow
ers.
Indeed she did-birds. dog. and
homemade bread and cake"
please ask me to have some, won't
you?" he pleaded, with SO comicai
| look that I laughed.
Certainly! We'd like so much to
have you. Aunt Susan was delighted
with the flowers and your note of well
come" 1 had spoken lightly, but now
said more seriously: II want to
thank you. too. I appreciate that you
are more thoughtful and kind than
deserve"
mot nearly as kind as want to be
AS hope to be some day." Then,
''But-when am I to appear for the
homemade delicacies?"
"You will have to come at once to
be sure they are still fresh-also to be
sure of any. Aunt Susan is famous
cook"
''That means that am to come to-
night?'' pressing the subject.
"Yes-if you like"
'I do like. very much. What time
shall 1 APPEAR"
Thank you, very much. I hope I
shan't disgrace myself and you by
proving my appetite. 1 have lived in
hotels so long that I won't promise
not to be plgSlS1.
We had both spoken lightly, yet
there seemed a sort of under current
that meant more to both of US than
appeared on the surface. 1 had found
many little evidences of Frank Clax-
tons thoughtfulness an connection
with my work-little things or which
had said nothing, fearing to put
him and myself also in a bit of en-
| barraSsment.
He often offered to take me home
| in his machine, but never had ac-
| cepted. 1 told myself that it would
cheaper me in his eyes did I accept
his courtesies. And I knew it would
breed jealousy and discomfort in the
| office. L had not forgotten my les
| son in that regard when I first went
cox and Mr.. Belts were both pleasant,
both polite and nice to me. L would
do nothing to risk a recurrence of the
unpleaSantness.
What scurrying there was when
told mother and Aunt Susan that Mr..
Claxton was coming to dinner. I at
tended to laying the table, while
mother fused about the living room,
and Aunt Susan held sway in the
kitchen.
Don't you come near, neither one
of you'll" she ordered good-naturedly.
And we obeyed, altho the odor of fried
chicken and other things made it hard
to do so. Aunt had gone out immedi-
ately 1 came in for the chicken. ITS
the only thing 1 shall do for him." she
declared. There was enough cold
meat for us. but it seems hardly the
thing to give him."
used a few of the flowers he had
sent Aunt Susan for a centerpiece, so
giving the table quite a festive look.
Our linen was nice, just large lunch
cloth and napkins mother had in her
trunk. but beautifully fine and glossy.
Even our cheap dishes could not quite
spoil the effect.
1t was just striking when ! heard
the honk-honk of his machineAn the
street.
"You see. am prompt" he said as
he shook hands with Aunt Susan.
"Quite right. No one likes to get a
dinner and have it spoiled by stand
ing. Thank you for the flowers you
the ones have in my kitchen garden
at home are prettier and sweeter."
Aunt Susan was inclined to GUINNESS.
"Of course they are! These are
probably forced"
We sat down at once. And no house,
wife at a banquet was ever prouder
than / was because of that dinner
the platter of delicately Drowned
chicken. slices of homemade bread,
mashed potatoes as light as swans
down, a fruit salad that no one out
Aunt Susan could make. hot apple
pie, with cheese and coffee 1t SOUNDS
very simple, and it was-no soup, no
fish, no attempts at style-just plain
home cooking.
at haven't eaten so heartily in
wears" Mr. Claxton declared, NOR en-
joyed my food SO much. I warned
YOU, Miss Zena," he turned to me
laughingly.
".I am delighted you have enjoyed
it." I responded, while mother ana
Amt Susan fairly beamed. 1t was
nice to have a good-looking. we'll
eroomed man at the table with us.
Now light your cigar" suggested
MAY r." he asked mother and Aunt
Susan Both chorused:
Eyes. indeed!'
"Now, may 1 make suggestion?
he asked. after we had risen from the
table.
Surely" I replied. wondering.