The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-11
THE NEW
GENERATION
By JANE PHELPS
MARGARET INTRIGUED NTH
WHAT SHE HEARS.
SO

SLdplST
1t was long after midnight when
Craig Forester babe Margaret Hay
den good night-laughingly making it
good morning" instead. He had en-
joyed himself and told her so. She in
turn -regained some of her gay manner
she had dropped when thinking of
Mrs. Walters, the difference in their
lives as Forester had explained it to
her, altho they were both widows.
each with one child.
'She grieved honestly for Walters
They were very happy together. But
she felt the world still owed her some
thing even if she was alone So after
a time, she laid aside her grief and
mingled with people of her own age,
and has lived a gay happy life, 1 be-
lieye. Now a second love has come
to her, if story-tellers are to be be-
heved. A second love often trans
cends the first. Let US hope so fer
her sake" Forester had finished, so
removing anything personal from his
remark.
Il wonder what he would have said
had he known never even had a first
love?" Margaret unused when at last
she lay down beside Joan, VINO muir
INJURED something uninteIligible at
being disturbed, then relapsed again
into slumber.
Margaret rose on her elbow, and
by the light of the breaking day looked
at this daughter of hers; the child to
whom she had devoted every moment
of her life since her birth. The sweet
flushed face; the long eyelashes ca
ressipg her cheeks; the mop of golden
and, leaning over, Margaret pressed a
soft kiss upon Joans forehead.
"Mumsie," the soft red lips muir
INJURED. Smiling happily, Margaret
laid down and was soon sleeping as
soundly. rs quietly, as the girl at her
side. That "Mumsie" had been like a
caress.
What was it like? Did you have
good time?'' Joan asked as she fin
rangements to breakfast in their room.
It gave Margaret a chance to have a
little morning talk with Joan, also it
was more restful.
1T was wonderful and 1 had a
dady time-I mean a lovely time"
Joan shrieked with laughter.
How I wish Malcolm Frost could
have heard you say that but why did
you change it? Dandy is a good
word"
Not very dignified. dear
Perhaps not" Some thought sud-
denly making serious the young face
Il saw Mrs. Walters, Mr.. Forester
knows her-all about her.
Tell me, do, Mumsie! I adore
gossip
MOI very much TO tell, careleSSly
replied Margaret watching Joan keen
ly. she is a widow. has only one son,
is between As and As years DID, Joan's
gasp did not escape her mother, land
is going to marry the man who was
with her-an attractive looking man
about so I should judge"
How old is that Mr. Forester ?'
Unexpectedly asked Joan.
Startled, Margaret hesitated a mo-
ment, them: about As | judge. He
said something about Mrs. Walters
being about his age-a little older.
And she looked so lovely, Joan, I wish
you could have seen her. She wore a
pale blue and silver dress and it was
so becoming" Margaret went on, not
giving Joan time for more remarks
concerning Craig Forester. she
looked so young. too. Really, 1 would
not have thought her 80. I would like
her secret for keeping young"
You're young enough!" brusquely
replied Joan, land look as young as
she does any day. I dop't see why
want to look young, and get married,
and all that sort of thing. You've
done it all once! Why not get out of
the way and let the other women have
a chanee?"
Get out of the way. What an ex-
preston! Whatever do you mean,
Joan"
"Just stay old. I read in the paper
the other day that there were 10000
more women than men in either one
state or the United States. How do
you suppose that 10000 are going to
get married if women want two hus-
bands apiece. It makes me tired"
I'm sorry, dear, but I'm afraid
that neither you or 1 can regulate
peoples actions. Most of US have all
we can do to look after ourselves I
thought you liked the way I looked
last night
al did You were lovely, Mumsie."
"And Mr.. Forester said I didn't
look over rs" Margaret tried purpose
ly to shock Joan. She did. Joan
replied;
Il hate that mani"
Margaret becomes &C
quainted with Mrs. Walters.)