The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-13
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
A WONDERFUL EVENING.
CHAPTER 144.

felt at times that I would like to
harness the days and hours so that
they would>not pass so swiftly. oh,
why didn't I say a year instead OF six
months? A year would have been
none too long to decide what I want
ed to do all the rest of my life!
was very nearly home when the
sound of my name caused me to turn.
Mr.. Claxton, in his roadster, was be-
side the curb.
Jump in and we'H take a ride-it
is early for dinner. Or will you dine
with me?"
4'I'Il take the ride anyway" I an
swered joyfully. I felt a bit reckless.
was so exasperated with myself be-
cause of my indecision.
1 looked at the man beside me.
And I saw the kind of a man that a
woman would love-almost any wo-
man. A lean, capable looking man,
with kind eyes and laughing mouth.
81 must get back at a little after
six Mother will be waiting dinner
for me-"
you shall do exactly as you wish.
buff you will dine with me, I will
telephone your mother"
All right will" yielded.
He stopped the car at corner drug
store and telephoned. Then he drove
on. We talked easily. For the first
time I absolutely forgot that he was
my employer-that I worked in his
office
We had dinner at quaint little
place in the suburbs-just a simple
dinner, but I thought food never had
tasted So good. I laughed because of
my appetite, and like all young things
laughed for no reason at all save that
was happy.
There was dancing. and Mr.. Clax-
ton asked me to dance.
81 haven't danced in so long I am
afraid I shall be very awkward" 1
told him.
"Pn risk it."
He danced wonderfully, and after
a moment all my love for it came
back with a rush, and I knew that I
danced as well as 1 ever did. I was
glad. I wanted to do things well that
night. I felt ridiculously young and
terribly happy, and chatted and
laughed just as I had used to with
the boys at home.
ho + was II o'clock when we started
at won't hurt you-tomorrow is
Saturday and we went need you. Sleep
late" he said kindly. yet with the lit
tie masterful way knew so well.
I climbed the stairs lightly. Quietly
went in. But mother was waiting.
had hoped she would go to bed.
Did you have good time, dear ?"
she asked.
Wonderful, did enjoy myself
sol" Then told her where we went,
that we danced, and all about my love-
ly evening.
THAT is the sort of good times you
should have often. Your eyes shine
like stars, and you look five years
younger"
'"Is that all? I feel a thousand
years younger. I feel like a child.
And, mother dear, I am not to go down
tomorrow. So we ali sleep late-that
IS, if aunt will let u.s. 1t was quite a
chickens, aItho she had left them at
home.
I'll tell her to let you sleep"
You, too. mother. You aren't used
to late hours nowadays, you know. 1
feel guilty that you stayed up for me-"
you needn't. I enjoyed thinking
you were having a good time, altho
it seemed strange to have you go with
out a chaperon.'
from my life forever. And, mother,
don't really think they are neces-
sary except for very young girls. even
where it is possible to have them"
Mother made no reply. I knew she
didn't agree with me- But she kissed
me fondly before I had left her, and
told me once more she was glad had
had a good time.
In my room, lying on the bureau
was a letter from Kenneth Lawrence.
Mother had forgotten to mention 1t:
"I won't open it until morning" l
said as I took it up. ''I'n just go 10
sleep thinking what nice time have
had with-r'ra NIX"
ITO be continued-)