The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-06-12
lust A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
MRS. STEWART PLEADS FOR
ACE
CHAPTER IL.

Jack didn't seem to be al all upset
when told him had not decided to
marry. In novels the lover always
out the one girl whom he honors with
his love. and his proposal. So I was
rather disappointed that Jack took it
so cody.
You'll change your mind" Jack
remarked after moment. "All girls
do"
Perhaps I may be a little diff
ferent from all gipls,' said sar-
casticalIy.
ooh no, you won't! And I am going
to keep right on asking you until
you accept me-"
ITO get rid of you?"
We both laughed. Jack really was
nice chap, but spoiled by having
too much money, and a doting mother
who thought him perfect-and told
him, as well as the others.
'In self defense, perhaps. But I
don't care anything about WHY you
marry me. 1t is the fact that you are
going to that interests me-" he said.
Don't be tiresome, I may never
marry at all, as 1 told you. If I do,
it won't be for years and years"
marrying young"
For the first time Jack looked a
little anxious
you mean that your father would
object to me?"
"Oh, I don't know that he would
object to you any more than to any
other fellow-unless he objected to
you because you were an idler"
whats the use of working when
one doesn't have to?"
None at all, unless it is to show
that you have brains as well as
money"
what rot you talkl I thought per-
haps I might do things to which he
objected
"No-mother says you are nice,
moral boy!"
Jack flushed crimson.
Whats the matter? Don't you like
to be called nice and moral ?"
might as well call fellow fool.
I mean no disrespect to your mother.
But it sounds like something terribly
namby-p amby. No one could accuse
me of being that"
Mo- don't think they could, Jack
But suppose we talk of something else.
shall not marry you-or anyone-for
long time. So why waste the after
noon talking of it?'
Mother came in just then and greet
ed Jack so effusively-for her-I
wanted to shake her. He looked at
me in a way that said as plainly as
words, ''Y our mother doesn't object to
me for son-in-law."
I was quite embarrassed, as well
as bit ashamed of mother for show
ing her feelings so plainly. 1 was
afraid, too, that Jack would let her
know he had proposed to me, and
that I would get a scolding after he
left. But he didn't say a word about
it. and soon left, so giving Mother no
chance.
What a nice boy Jack isl" she re-
marked. 1 made no reply, altho she
had waited, evidently expecting one
HE is the most desirable young man
we know"
in what respect. mother? AS hus-
band, or as a son-in-law?"
In both, Zena. He is a gentleman,
has good habits. and unlimited re-
sources" Mother seldom used the
word money when talking of what
people had I imagine she thought it
vulgar
man one marries? One can't love
man just because he is nice, and has
money"
TT is just as easy to care for a
young man like Jack Pryor as it is
to become infatuated with someone
not his equal in any way"
I knew mother was speaking gen.
orally; that she had no one in par
ticular in mind. Yet my thoughts flew
to Kenneth Lawrence. Was he not
Jack Pryor's equal in all that count
ed2 He had no money His manners
were not quite so exquisite, even if
they were honest, but my thoughts
were Interrupted.
II hope you will be very nice to
Jack Pryor, Zena. His mother thinks
a great deal of you"
my own mother satisfies me-"
kissed her and ran from the room
before she could say any more. But
when Dad came in 1 overheard her say
to him:
'Zena shall marry Jack Pryor.
They would make an ideal couple"
(To be continued.)