The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-09-09
lust A GIRL.
By JANE PHELPS
LOVING GREETINGS.

Another month passed before the
doctor would give his consent to my
returning to Chicago, and to work.
And then it was only after repeated
warnings, coupled with advice, that he
said 1 might try it.
I was glad to go back for many rea-
sons I felt I had no right to be taking
my weekly salary when 1 was doing
absolutely nothing to help, altho
Mary kept reminding me that she was
only paying me back her share of the
investment. Then, too, realized ]
was not strong. and that the little shop
was not going to be possible for me.
had not told mother this. 1 dared not
worry her. But I knew that cooking
over a hot stove, carrying trays, and
all that, were beyond me, and would
be for some time-perhaps forever.
had made good Roadway with my
tipping. Yet L wrote very slowly and
made many mistakes. My plan was to
help Mary as much as 1 could for a
time, to practice constantly, then get
an office position. 1 had not thought
I might also need to know stenography
TO get such a place. My book of in
structions came promptly. 1t had
helped me immensely, and 1 now could
write with very few mistakes.
I had felt rather sad and depressed
at leaving mother, and she had cried
bitterly. But Mary's joyous greeting
and Mrs. Fagins pleasure in my re-
turn, went far to dispel any home
sickness 1 felt.
1T is good for sore eyes to see you
again. Miss ZenaH' Mrs. Fagin declared
as she gave me a resounding kiss.
While Mary just laughed and cried to-
gether.
III you had died T would have died
too! she said after she grew calm.
Il honestly believe she would" Mrs.
Fagin broke in. She didn't eat for
days, and heard her crying after she
went to bed nights"
~ "Oh Mary, You shouldn't have
done that You worked so had, too. -
THAT girl 1 hired is a dandy, Zena.
She takes hold just splendid. 1 hate
to send her away
Don't. Mary"
Then 1 told them of my illness of
what the doctor had said, and of my
plan to fit myself for an office posi-
ton Mary at first declared she could
not run the shop withiut me; but as L
reminded her she had already done so,
and run it successfully, she had to re-
sign that argument.
shall help all I am able to until
I find position. Then we will ar
range about the money" 1 said in re-
spouse to something Mary said about
dividing the money.
Il think Miss Zena is right. Res
taurant~ business is always hard BUSH
ness, no matter how successful it is,
especially when it is a small business
and the owner does the work. Mary,
| here, is strong. Then I am going to
tell you secret-she has a beau"
"A beau!" I exclaimed.
Eyes, a nice sort of a fellow, I think
clerk in the tea and coffee store. He
has helped Mary lot since you have
been gone"
You remember him. Zena," Mary
blushingly turned to me. He came to
the shop one night to dinner Just be-
fore you were taken sick. His name is
Thomas Clancy"
"Oh, a Frenchman.'
stop your kiddin'-he's an Irish
man. and a good one
Il thought all Irish were good"
We'll. most all are. It's because of
that you notice the bad ones. : Don't
you remember him? He brought our
coffee. Something had happened-the
delivery wagon broke down or some
thing-so he offered t6 bring it,
Yes, do recall him now. Rather
a good looking fellow with dark hair"
That's hint"
I'm glad for you, Mary-if he is
nice enough for you. Mother will be
said 1 expected to be an old maid, or
rather a bachelor girl. There aren't
any old maids nowadays"
"Oh. you'll find someone, Zena!
Only you must wait until you meet
the right kind-your kind. Thomas is
a fine fellow all right, but you would
MT be happy with a man like him. He
amt in your class. You know what I
mean, and it amt anything against
Tom, either"
ct understand. Mary"
tTomorrow-Varied experiences)