The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-09-29
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
DINNER An THE BLACKSTONE.
CHAPTER los.

In spite of my objections, Tony in
sisted upon having dinner at the
Blackstone.
81 am not dressed for such q place."
told him as a last plea. I really
hated the thought of looking out of
place, and so perhaps embarrassing
him.
II haven't seen anyone there who
looks any better nor half as well to me,
and I have been there two weeks. 1
guess, Zena, You have fersottep what
a stunning girl you are. Haven't you
a mirror in your room j"
''Of course, silIyi"
81 was going to ask if I might send
one If you hadn't I'd advise you to
look into one occasionally. 1t will
save you the trouble of apologizing for
your looks"
Il see you haven't changed If I
have!" I retorted just as we drew up
to the brightly lighted entrance of the
Blackstone.
Tony piloted me to the dining room,
whispered to the head waiter, who
looked serious for a moment and then,
as something passed unobtrusiveiy
obsequiously led US to one of the best
tables in the room. He removed the
Reserved sign with flourish.
Same old trick" I said laughing.
They all do it. Part of the bust
ness Now aren't you glad you came ?"
The orchestra had commenced to play.
Indeed I am! It is lovely"
That's the way to talk! Now listen
to the music while order. Be careful
tho! They are looking at you
already"
did look about, altho I saw Moth
ing of the stares to which Tony had
referred Instead | saw fine looking
men, and beautifully dressed women,
chatting, laughing, all enjoying them
selves. I listened to the music, and
decided I, too, would forget and en-
JOY, without spelling my own and
Iony's pleasure by giving way to the
| feeling that I was doing something I
might regret. I had felt that way all
the way down in the taxi-that I
might regret going out with Tony.
Tony ordered a delicious dinner-aII
the things I liked and had not eaten
for so long. He declared he must buv
a bottle Of wine to celebrate, altho he
| remembered I never touched it-dad
| thought me too young-and when I
said 1 never had taken any, went with
out himself rather than have anything
| couldn't enjoy. His unselfishness
touched me, because I knew that TONY
Deland and men like him consider a
bottle OF wine almost necessary ad-
Junet 10 the sort of dinner he ordered.
1t was good to sit opposite him and
listen to the chatter Of the old crowd.
! of the boys and girls used to know so
we'll He said Jack Pryor was paying
attention to Edith Wren, but he didn't
think anything would come Of it
| "Old Jack was crazy about YOU
Hena! I always thought you'd end by
marrying him."
mo, Tony! I don't think ever
had any real idea would marry Jack
liked him, liked to be with him. But
have always felt that liking was not
| enough-that a girl must really care
very much to marry a man"
made no reply, and Tony was soon
laughing and chatting in his old in
| imitable way again. We fingered over
our dessert and coffee until the dining
/ room was nearly empty. Then we
went out and sat in the lobby for half
sic.
1T is II o'clock" I exclaimed
aghast. st must get home, Tony. l
have to get up very early, you know. -
DANCED shame. teoI'' But he rose
Immediately and took me home. On
the way made him promise to say
nothing OF having seen me to anyone.
Il have to lead my own life-a very
different one. Tony. and prefer to be
lost to all that belonged to the old life
/ even my friends. I am a working
girl. Probably 1 always shall be. I
went with you tonight, and have en-
joyed it hugely But such pleasures
with the life I have mapped out for
| myself"
He promised at once. altho he said
he thought me foolish.
Your friends love you for yourself.
zena, not for ANYTHING else"
coed ume.l