The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-06-08
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
. A LETTER.
CHAPTER s,

What a comfort an understanding
person is! That was just what my
father was-an understanding person.
I used to feel that no matter what
I might do, he would be sure to know
I meant it all right. So 1 up and told
him all about my long walks with
Kenneth. 1t was about month after
Kenneth had gone back to California.
Fortunately. always had breakfast
with dad, while mother had hers in
bed. Father looked thru his mail, as
| usual; then he said:
Here's letter for you, Zena."
When he banded it to me his eyes
| looked exactly as if he wanted to
wink. but wouldn't
1t was from Kenneth. 1 knew by
| the postmark.
Aren't you going to open it and tell
! doting parent what that westerner
has to say?" father asked, smiling at
me.
"Of course. You can read it your
| self if you want to. 1 am positive 1t
| will be interesting"
1 wasn't so sure when I drew the
short note from the envelope.
Don't look so disappointed, dear:
maybe he is sort of feeling his way
this time"
Dear Zena"-Kenneth began his
letter. and I wondered before I read
any further what mother would say to
that. Then he went on:
Il had a quick, uneventful trip
| home. Met no one who particularly
! interested me, so had plenty of time
to think of the Wonderful time 1 had
in New York. Not that I cared es-
pecially for the big town. itself, but
the people whom 1 met were most
gracious. so making my visit delight.
! II wonder if you will write me just
note. I imagined your mother did
not seem pleased when I spoke of
writing you Do you want me to
/ to think things oveE-or have you for
gotten me? 1t has been a month,
four long weeks, and you have SO
much in your life. so many friends
scarcely dare hope you will take time
| for me, to write me. Yet 1 am hoping
to hear from you; and shall go on
hoping until a letter comeS-no mat
ter how long have to wait.
please remember me to your IA
Their. 1 enjoyed my talk with him so
much. 1 think you are like him. !
could pay you no higher compliment.
| Please give my regards to your moth
err also. 1 have wished she liked me
better. But some day perhaps | may
meet her again. and leave different
| impression.
| NV horse and dog welcomed me
upon my return. The old Mexican wo-
man who cooks for me told me the
| dog had grieved while 1 was away. 1t
! is something to have even dumb
| beast love you enough to miss you. ]
wonder, do you like animals? l for
| got to ask. You will have to answer
my letter so that 1 may know. You
see to me that is q. very important
question: Do you like animals?
with best wishes for your happi-
ness L am,
| Sincerely.
KENNETH LAWRENCE"
Here, dad" 1 handed him the let
ter
Really want me to see it, Zena?"
"Of course do. 1t would be a pity
If you didn't see the nice compliment
he pays you-altho I suppose you'll
say, as he does, that am the one te
! be complimentary
MY curiosity is excited. I guess II
have to read it,"
He read along in silence until he
! came to the paragraph where Ken
meth said 1 was like him, and that he
could pay me no higher compliment
"A fellow of rare discernment." dad
| said, his eyes twinkling. And a good
deal of tact. also" he added. Then,
"I like what he says about animals.
think you will have to write and tel
him that you are fond of horses and
dogs also. At least judge you are BY
my bills at the riding academy, an6
for that last Pom you bought"
so you think 1 should tell him
quite soon that like animals?"
| "Oh, wouldn't be in too much Of 6
hurry. Tomorrow or. day after would
do" he leased me.
III show you my reply II you'll
promise not to tell-anybody."
Gross my heart. Zena. Make i
brief If you do he'll be more anx
ious for the next one" and. kissing
me fondly, dad departed for the office
leaving me to reread my letter AGAR
before 1 Joined mother.
(Tomorrow-Zena'S answer.)