The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-12
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
BY JANE PHELPS
VERA'S SECRET.
CHAPTER 6S.

VERA'S SECRET.
CHAPTER So.
was spending the day with Frnna
Longstreet- went in with Keith
and was to meet him at the station
at 5 o'clock SO we could go down to-
gether. 1 had found out that he had
absolutely refused to pay the differ
ence If Margaret changed her car
again This was what had SO peeved
her. She wanted the new model,
told Erma all about it,, and how
felt.
Il suppose should be ashamed of
myself but I can't help being glad
when he refuses her anything" said
a bit shame facedly.
Il don't blame you one single bit.
1t is horrid in her to expect him to
do SO much for her now that he is
married"
L had a secret that I had not
breathed to Keith. 1 was to become
mother! I would have, been wildly
happy had I been sure he would he
pleased. Now I was to have some
thing of my very own, something
had no share in. I hoped my baby
would be a girl. A girl would be
company for me when she grew
older. Then could make her dainty
things, girls clothes were SO much
prettier than boys.
I had no thought of disloyaIty to
Keith in hugging my secret for a
time. I wanted the joy for my own.
When he knew, Margaret would
also know-of that was sure, and
that it would take away from me part
of the happiness felt.
i had taken a, niece of dainty ROW.
ing with me. In secret, with my
door locked, had commenced a
layette. When told Errsla she was
delighted. She kissed me rapturouAy.
Have you told Keith ?" she asked.
NO will soon."
Il don't believe I could keep It
from Jim one minute"
1T is different with you. Keith
will be nice about it, I am su-e," I
fastened to add, "but he is older
sure to be put out. have heard her
say that her girls would be their
grandmother's only heirs. I suppose
she thought because we hadn't any
children right away. we wouldn't
have any"
"You are lucky to be able to get
such lovely materials" Erma said
when I unfolded the little slip. 'I
know I shall almost worship. your
baby, Vera"
Perhaps-until you have one of
your own" I replied. Then we two
silly young things who knew so little
of life. of children, planned what we
should do with those God sent us,
with never a thought that we might
not be allowed our own way.
Maybe you will have an apart
ment of your own now. Mrs. Dalton
live with her If there is a young baby
in your family" Erma said, putting
into words hope I had held in my
heart.
"oh. wouldn't 1t be. lovely!" I ex-
claimed dropping my sewing. "Why,
for just US three, Keith, baby and me,
how happy should be. But haven't
dared set my mind on it. 1t would be
too good to be true
All that long happy day Erma and
sewed and planned for the happiness
that was to come to me. Then I met
Keith at the station.
You have had a happy day, can
tell by your face" he said as we met.
"a very happy one" returned,
smiling up at him. TN tell you all
about it tonight"
why not now?"
felt the blood rush to my face. I
could not tell my happy secret in a
station or on the train. II
would tell him when we went upstairs
to our own rooms, before the lights
were switched on.
Dinner passed off pleasantly, altho
could see that Margaret was not yet
quite herself. She looked abused. and
pouted a little at something Keith |
said, just enough, I thought. to show !
him she had not forgiven him.
After dinner followed Keith up to
Dur rooms.
Don't turn on the lights yet, dear" |
said. and then with a good deal of /
and many bushes |
told him my secret.
Keith kissed me quietly. Then he |
said:
you must be very careful of your |
riding go. Anyway we shall go back /
10 town next week. Margaret decided
his morning to go back earlier than |
usual"
That was all. I don't quite know
yet just what L expected. But do
know that I thought my heart was
The indifference with which |
ne had dismissed the subject which
meant So much to me, the calm way
he picked up magazine. switched on
he lights and commenced to read,
hurt me unexpressibly.
'It is warm here. I will go down
IN the piazza awhile" felt should /
scream If I didn't get away from every
human being.
VERY we'll Come up early. You
must get your rest now"
That was all, and as walked down
stairs my tears blinded me. went
put the side door, and down into a |
tort of back lawn where I sat under a 1
.hink sensibly about the way Keith Il
aad received nv wonderful news