The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-10-12
JUST A Girl
By JANE PHELPS
zENA's RESPONSIBILITIES
INCREASE.
CHAPTER 116.


Ny INTEREST," In my work increased
daily might almost say hourly
Gradually I was given less letter writ
ing, less routine work, and more to do
in the bond department. Naturally
this was a more attractive position in
every way, altho it took me from Mr.
Claxton's office a part of the time.
Once he made a laughing remark:
IT consider myself very unselfish."
I had no slightest idea to what he
referred, so asked:
I'm what particular way, Mr. Clax-
ton -
In allowing you to spend so much
time in the bond department, when
! that means depriying myself of your
services"
But Miss wilcox-she IS more ex-
pert in a way than I am" she had
been taking dictation for him.
| IT was not thinking of work particu-
! 1arly. A pleasant personality means a
good deal to me-" It was said in SO
inconsequentiaI manner that / did
not feel unduly flattered at the time
But after 1 reached home. I recalled
what he had said, and it made m,
happy that 1 had been fortunate
enough to please hinl-to the extent
that he desired me near him
never dreamed that he was think
ing of me save as an employe, or that
his kindness had any deeper meaning.
| Mrs. Fagin was both excited and sad
over our plans to leave her. She was
delighted for Mary and Tom to have
| a home, and had been most kind in
| helping Mary with advice. But she
wept bitterly because we were both to
leave her.
You'll be coming to see us, Mrs.
Fagih, and We won't forsst to come to
see you real often" Mary said in her
hearty way.
| 1T was bad enough to lose you,
Mary, but to have Miss Zena go too!''
Her tears flowed afresh. 1 tried to
comfort:
please don't feel SO badly, Mrs
Fagin. You are going to help me with
the wedding supper. youknow, and we
| shall see you often. Don't think you
are rid of us when Mary marries-we
couldn't get along without you, either
| of u.s." 4
| Mary was to be married on Satur-
| day. Tom would close the shop for
the afternoon. I would go with them
! the first of the week.
IT am going to get some green vines
| to trim the table, 1 confided, as Mrs.
Fagin wiped her eyes on the corner of
her apron. She was mercurial. and
| her good-natured face was wreathed
In smiles as planned. But the tears
were very close, and often misted her
kind. old eyes. y
It'll make the wedding cake-the
old-fashioned kind with so much fruit
it will keep for years. she told u.s.
Let's plan the menu now,"I said
as l reached for pencil and paper
! Lets have chicken, Tom loves it!''
Mary said, thinking first of him, as
she invariably did.
Yes, chicken, either broiled or
| fried, some nice broth, some yege-
tables with the chicken, and a fruit
salad, ice cream, and coffee. viii that
| be enough"
"EnoughI I should say SOL" Mary
declared enthusiastically. But Zena,
| you must let Tom and me help pay for
the things. That dinner will cost a
| lot"
That's my business" I pretended
to be cross. Il am going to give this
dinner. or supper, all by my little lone
some. Mary. Mrs. Fagin wifi help me
prepare 1t, and will make the cake
| You haven't a thing to say about it, {"
| Mum III be-
| You see am rich now, Mary. And
one of the fine things about having
money is that you can make people
happy with it. / sent mother $40 this
morning, and 1 felt so proud"
"Pd blow up and bust if was in
your place. Why 1 don't believe
there's another office girl in .chicago
that has got on as fast as you have
That's because I have such nice
man to work for y-7s
Maybe! And maybe he favors you
a little" mischievous laugh
made me spring up and lightly box her
ears. She often tried to tease me
about Mr.. Claxton. 1t was SO silly ]
didn't even listen at times.
| (Tomorrow-Mr. Claxton begs for an
Invitation \