The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-08-14
lust A GIRL
By JANE PHELPS
MARY,s PRoMoTToN.
CHAPTER sc.

MARY'S PROMOTION.
CHAPTER &c.
was uneasy and uncomfortable
whenever Mr.. Watkins, the manager
of the restaurant, was near me. He
had asked me to go to the theater
once or twice, and for a motor car
ride. 1 had gone once to the theater,
but refused to accept his invitation to
ride unless Mary went also. Mr.. Wat
kins had been very kind, very polite,
to me, yet L had an uneasy feeling
that If he had a chance he would
make love to me-
He favored me now, and made
things as easy for me as possible.
While 1 appreciated this, I also felt
that If he talked love to me I should
have to give up my position, SO L
avoided him whenever it was possible
He was a quick-mNYing, businessllke
sort of a man, without much educa-
ton. but with a good deal Of executive
Mary finally noticed his attempts to
+ favor me, and chaffed me unmercl-
fully.
lies falling in love with you, sure
as preaching!" she declared. Now
don't say nonsense as you did about
| Moore. Remember, L guessed right
about him!"
7 hope you are wrong. Mary. 1
would be very unhappy If you were
right It would mean L would have
| to leave"
The day after this conversation 1
thanked Mr.. watkins for something
he did for me.
IT always try to help the~girls all l
can" he replied. Then, lowering his
voice, But there amt many IKE you
here"
| felt horribly embarrassed. 1t may
have been that my thoughts showed
in my face, for he asked:
| what are you thinking about ?"
"Oh, nothing returned, but L feit
uncomfortable, almost like crying.
May 1 take you out some night
soon. Miss Stewart? To dinner-or
the theater? I have something to say
but Mr.. Watkins. I never go out
| evenings-never unless mary CUES
Never mind Mary. Make up your
mind when you will go out with me
and let me know
| Mary had stood near enough to hear
most of the conversation, an dto guess
the rest. So 1 was not surprised when
Didn't I tell you he had a crush
on YOU? He amt a bad sort either,
Zena You might look further apo
do a lot worse; tho of course ne ain
tyour kind, really"
IT have something to tell you, Zena,"
Mary said after a moment L nave
been eoin' to tell you for most week,
but it seemed kind Of wrong some way
that it should come TO me- instead OF
you"
she had been unusually quiet, but had
i been SO taken up with my own
thoughts 1 had paid little attention,
and had said nothing to her
''Mr. watkins has made me head
| Ia r. c leave,
is getting married So he gave me her
Il am so glad. Mary" I was. altho
a bit surprised, too. on VIII max
, a good boss. 1 never could DO 1t 1T
the world
sarhen you don't think
THAT 1 should have been made
, head? Indeed not! 1 would have q
very poor opinion of Mr.. Watkins
: judgment had he asked me-
After Mary went to her room, my
thoughts reverted to Mr.. Watkins.
liked him, he had been very kind Il
me, but rather than marry man
: didn't love. would have died of star
vation-I would have slept homeless!
; in the streets. Yet an appalling SENSE
t of loneliness swept over me. If ONLY
! some one who loved and cared for me
were near me!
> sat by my window until late
: | Thoughts Of Kenneth Lawrence flnalI!
came. Always at SUCH tlLiioo' nc "e1.
: near me- in my mind. Some way
knew 1 was destined always to thfnl
of him I whispered his name, ant
flushed hotly in the dark as heard 1t
, The next day was dull and rainy.
q wondered as I entered the restauran
: ! if life were worth the struggle? Al
: the morning the feeling OF depression
: remained In the afternoon it deep
: ened Mary was to remain to receiv'
! some bits of instruction from the out
. going head, and started home alone
But soon heard a hurried step be
1 hind me Mr. watkins, painting from
his exertien. insisted upon walking
= with me.
Before I reached home that night
U / had refused to marry the manager o
e the restaurant, and had also given VI
{ my Job.
t ITO be continued)