The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-09-27

JENA MEETS AN OLD FRIEND.
CHAPTER 1913
Blu JANE PHELPS

CHAPTER 1O3.
Two days passed before found an
opportunity to thank Mr.. Claxton for
the treat he had given us. or to de-
liver Mary's message. He had been
out of town the next day, and then
we had been SO busy I did not like to
obtrude anything, even my thanks.
MARY and 1 enjoyed the play im-
mensely. Mr.. Claxton. She wished me
to thank you for her." l said in a mo-
ment of relaxation on his part.
The tickets fulfilled their mission
then. Your friend, Mary. did she real
ly enjoy it? I can ina CINE she might
be rather amusing at the theater.
She was-very. She is not accus-
toned to see evening dress-at least,
at such close range Men and women
both came in for a share of her criti-
cism."
Tell me some of the things she
said. The work can wait a moment"
I repeated some of Mary's remarks.
at which he laughed heartily.
II think she is good for you. Miss
type, one who can make you laugh, is
what you need. You are inclined to
be a bit serious, I think" 1t was said
kindly, not at all in a spirit of criti-
cism.
"Oh, she ise I think I would really
have died of loneliness this past year
had it not been for her. Sometimes I
am ashamed of myself because of my
jealousy of Tom. He is such fine
fellow, too"
Jealous, in what way?"
"Oh, only because he will take all
her time after they marry, I'm afraid!
am not really Jealous-I want her to
marry him and have a home of her
own. But she has been my only
friend"
II understand"
''I am to live with them-so she
says" I added. And to quote IA
vorite remark OF hers, That will help
sonnet"
''Naturally!" He looked keenly at
me- You look tired. Miss Stewart. 1t
is nealy times to stop work for the
day. I'll take you home in the car"
No, thank you, Mr.. Claxton- The
subway will get me home just as
quickly. aItho I nearly always take the
street car-the air is better"
I wanted to say yes" What tired
girl would not? But I had determined
to accept no favors from my employer
or anyone at the office. The jealousy
Mr. Betts.> whom I had offended.
would only be increased by any sign OF
favoritism, however slight.
Then, toe, in spite of my good posi-
ton, my hopes for the future, 1 was
still a working girl, still poor and lived
in a shabby Tooming house I was
doing good work, I felt my employer
respected me. had no intention to
allow bit of personal comfort to alter
that fact, or increase the hostility
against me by others in the office.
These thoughts were running thru
nv mind as I made my way to the
street car I was tired, and I would
have enjoyed a ride in a motor i'm
mensely. At first I had missed my
car perhaps more than any other
luxury 1 had had to resign when we
found we had no money. But long
since had forgotten even to wish to
ride in one or even to think about it.
But long before I reached home I
wished 1 had accepted Mr.. Claxton's
invitation.
Just as stepped onto the back plat
form of the car. someone took my
arm, and d familiar voice said:
"Zena Stewart! OF all the luck!"
I turned to face Tony Delar1d. And
as I returned his greeting it flashed
over me that-the last time 1 had seen
him I was acting as housemaid to
Mrs. Russ. and that 1t was because he
had recognized me that I had left
and hid myself in Chicago.
where are you going?" he asked
after a moment. still holding my hand.
Home" I replied, dragging my
hand away. Some of the passengers
were smiling because Of US. 1 felt en-
barrassed, and nay face flushed hotly.
(Tomorrow-Tony goes home with
Zena)