The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-07-26
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
zena Learns of Another of the Work
ing Girls Trials.
CHAPTER 40.

CHAPTER 40.
The dusk of the city was peppered
with lights before we had finished. 1
took Mary's arm and we hurried to
the cafeteria where my gray-haired
checker gave us both a smile, too busy
to do more.
Amt she nice?' Mary asked.
Indeed she Isl / feel as If I knew
her. yet I really don't. But every
time come here she smiles at me, or
like to come-that. and because it is
cheap"
yes, it is cheap-in a way But
might as well tell you I can't afford
to come here often-not if 1 am to
keep covered. And it seems to me
I've heard it's again the law not to
wear clothes
I felt uneasy, unhappy. My appe-
tite waned before 1 had touched food,
because of sign hung over the table:
Watch your belongings. We are not
responsible for anything lost or
stolen"
Perhaps if anyone missed anything
here 1 might be accused of taking it
pressed my hand over my eyes to
shut out the sign.
Are you sick?' Mary asked in
troubled voice.
NO was only thinking"
You amt eat a bite. Amt you
goin' to eat your supper"
II can'ti" Slow tears fell down my
face. I could not control them.
There, there, dearie. don't cry.
III bet you've been alone too much
Folks needs other folks sometimes. l
know 1 do. I was tickled blind when
you come into my room tonight 1
tell you what Wen do. Wen be real
sports and go to a movie. 1 saw
theater down the street. Now don't
waste that nice chop, shook my
n voice
I'm eat it them" she went on, and
I'll get you some milk. You could
drink that, couldn't you-just to please
little Mary?"
YES I'll drink some milk
Quickly she brought it, and with
out saying any thing more about me.
she chatted so gayly that 1 couldn't
help but be diverted.
Several times when having my din
ner in the cafeteria 1 had been en-
barrassed by the stare of man
seated near me. He was good look
ing in a coarse, common sort of a
way; but as I never glanced toward
him, and was always alone, he never
had annoyed me in any other way.
He was sitting at table near us. ana
II saw he was attracted-probably, y
thought, because of Mary's chatter. L
was lust about to ask her not to speak
so loudly, when he got up and came
directly to us.
There was that in his glance and
the assurance of his manner that
worried me. Yet I was totally UMPIRE
pared when he said:
You girls buying your own meal
tickets? 'Taint no ways necessary.
Come on, little black eyes," to me,
you and blue eyes and me will take
a walk. I've got a friend-perhaps
We'll run into him"
You got swell chance to walk
with u.s." Mary answered
..Ah, don't be so stingy with your
self"
.tYou can better believe I'm stingyi
So stingy that won't have you stand
there and look at us. Move along now,
and be quick about it too or I'll tell
the manager
"Oh, Nary" 1 gasped. Was I to
have another horrible scene?
See, Little black eyes amt OBJ
jectin', are you, honey-bunch 2"
You git Quit Quick Do you hear
me-" Mary spoke almost in a whisper,
but so angrily that I laid my hand on
her knee.
Wont you please go? We do not
wish to walk with YOU" 1 said. my
voice trembling.
Gee, but 1 like you, You can sling
the English too. can't you, black
eyes 20
You heard me tell you to git. And
git quick! why don't you do itI" Mary
demanded. "You-fresh things make a
girl think no man is decent. But we are
so git along and sell your papers
before I have you kicked out Of the
place"
A flush swept his face.
looked to see the cause, and saw
a man I had noticed standing near the
door at meal times. coming towards
US, a frown on his face.
well If Votr dnnsf Caro RI faf.,
me this evening Iwon't say no more"
the fellow said and hurried off
The man waited Il moment and Mary
whispered:
Shall / tell him -
"Oh, no. I ca 1T stand another
thing. Let US go as soon as you finish
your pie"
rrow-Determination follows
encouragement)