The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-11-26
JUST A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
THE WEDDING.
CHAPTER 1a5.

Jennie's wedding went off beauti-
fully. Everything was just perfect, so
they all said. Mr.. Claxton gave them
a check for 5000 and we all remem-
bered them with something for their
home. The breakfast was a great sue
cess. Mr.. Claxton declared they would
miss their train if we didn't stop eat
ing. Aunt Susan would have put to
shame almost any caterer-not in the
variety. but because OF her cooking.
We-that is, Mr.. Claxton and l.
rode to the station with them, and
then he took me home
q think they will be happy" he
unused.
II am sure they WILL" replied with
enthusiasm.
Why are you so sure?"
"Oh-because they know each other
so well, are SO suited to each other"
think you are right. And mar
riage means either great happiness or
lifelong misery. We-people rush
into it blindfolded, then wonder why
they aren't happy"
81 want to thank you"-the words
came Of themselves; seemingly I had
no voition-I surely had no thought
of mentioning Kenneth Lawrence.
Thank me-fer what"
For ihdhins me make thaI promise.
If you hadn't, 1 would have rushed
into marriage blindfoided."
Il saw that, and so 1 asked your
promise"
I changed the subject and spoke of
Tom and Mary-a safe topic, and one
in which we never failed to be inter-
ested, But all the time 1 was thinking
that he had watched me more closely
than 1 had realized, that he had un-
derstood me perhaps better than had
understood myself.
He left me at the door altho / asked
him to come in .A,...
your aunt asked me to come in this
evening. She said I might have some
OF the leavings' if l would. 1 had a
dinner engagement so could not ac-
cept her invitation to dine"
l laughed heartily at his repetition
Of Aunt Susan's word "ieavings" and
he Joined me, then declared he would
ner at the Blackstone. When 1 re-
peated that to Aunt Susan she was SO
proud that Mary, who had waited for
me, said she made her think of a pea
cock.
"wait until you can cook well
from man like Mr.. Claxton, who
knows how to eat. before you make
fun of me-" Aunt Susan said, pretend
ing to be severe.
Tom and Mary helped US clear the
rooms. while Mrs: Fagin, who had
been at the wedding, washed the
dishes and helped in the kitchen.
Then they all left and mother. Aunt
Susan and 1 were alone to talk things
over We would only have a bite at
dinner time and wait. for Mr.. Claxton
to really eat again, so mother decided
We were really very happy, very
eentented trio. Mother was unusually
bright and cheerful, which went far
toward making me happy. We talked
of Jennie and Mr.. Belts. of Tom and
Mary. Then we Veered around to
Kenneth.
Have you ever regretted not
marrying him p" mother asked.
Never. mother,v thoughts of what
Frank Claxton said about rushing
blindfold into marriage coming to me.
IT can only be thankful that saw my
, mistake in time. I might have ruined
both his life and my own il I had
done as I intended at first--married
him at once. Why, it almost frightens
me when 1 think of it. I scarcely
knew him at ALL was about to
marry a dream man, not real flesh
and blood man. Not that Kenneth
isn't real enough-but it wasn't the
real Kenneth ! loved, or thought
loved, but a creature of my own imag-
nation"
Il hope you will find real man
some Gay, aunt susan SdlO QTYiy,
and that when you find him you will
know it."
Just then the bell rang and Mr..
C1axton came in.
"Am early?" he asked as he d.
vested himself of coat and hat. We
finished earlier than 1 had dared
hope so I hurried right up, hoping you
would forgive me if l disturbed you"
1--WE aren't SO easily disturbed,
young man." Aunt Susan remarked.
Then I saw her deliberately motion
mother to follow her as she left the
room.
'4sxcuse me few moments,
please" mother said, and left Frank
Claxton and me alone. My heart beat
so fast and hard as he bent his gaze
upon me that 1 feared he would hear
it. And I felt my cheeks grow hot
with bushes. Yet he had not spoken.
(Tomorrow-Zena decides.)