The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-07-04
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
BY JANE PHELPS
VERA'S FATHER DIES.
BY JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER 81.


! CHAPTER 81.
When Keith heard from his stenog-
rapher~that father had passed away,
he caught the next train back, and
again was reminded of the kindness,
the thoughtfulness of the man I had
married.
1T wish I might go with you, dear"
but the business is in a condition
where it needs constant attention.
Perhaps tho
wanted desperately to say, ooh, do
comet" Instead I interrupted: Don't
worry about going with me, dear. 1
nothing you can do-now."
I tried to keep up, but talking about
it made dads death seem so real that
I broke down and cried bitterly for
awhile. Keith held me in his arms
and tried to comfort me.
By and by I grew calm, and then
we talked a little of what might be
needed at home. I never had tried to
hide the fact that my people were poor
from Keith. So he said:
81 will give you some checks, dear,
and you can fill them out for any
reasonable amount as it is needed. 1t
will make it easier for your mother
perhaps. I telegraphed her as soon as
heard, that you would be there to
attend to details. I thought she would
understand"
'she will. and it was dear of you to
think of it. I shall use only what is
necessary"
II know you will be careful. You
always are-Margaret has been a good
adviser for you
Even in my grief I rebelled. Mar
garet was much more extravagant
than was-extravagant with my hus-
bands money, as well as with her
own. really had tried to be careful
in my expenditures of my own free
will, aside from the times when 1 was
compelled to be economical by her
whether I wanted to be or not.
81 have always tried to be careful
of your money-and without any ad-
vice from Margaret" I replied.
ct know" The froWn on his face
showed that he had understood my
resentment and had taken offense as
usual. But he made no remark L
never could even hint at fault in Mar
garet that he did not show signs of
anger.
A rap at the door interrupted US.
"Come!' I called, and Margaret
stood in the doorway.
st heard you were here, Keith. Why
didn't you stop and speak to me on
your way upstairs?"
ST hurried to get to Vera. thought
might be needed &C. AS
you might have just stopped to
speak," she pouted like a. spoiled
child.
''Don't feel hurt. Margaret dear"
He rose and kissed her fondly:
Anything 1 can do, Vera? ?" she
asked after she had returned his en-
brace.
mo, thank you,", I replied. wanting
to scream at her to go away and leave
me alone with my husband.
BE sure and see me before you go
IL IyAffh - oh enid
| left the room, 81 want to consult you
about something particular"
Every well, dear"
| My packing was finished, all the
preparations made for my sad journey.
There was about an hour to spare be-
/ fore the train left for the city. where
I was to take the Limited home.
| 1onged for Keith to spend the hour
| with me, but when everything was at
tended to he said:
NOW I'll run down and see what
Margaret wants"
Don't stay long, will your"
mot longer than necessary. Hadn't
you better come down and wait on the
piazza ?''
mo. I couldn't stand having all
the people talking to me. sympathizing
with me. I should break down again.
But I do want you"
He made no reply, but kissed me.
then went downstairs. He had left
| the door trifle aJar, and I heard
| Margaret say peevishly:
t'I thought you never were coming
What time is Vera going?"
Every soon now"
"Your day is spoiled anyway, Keith,
| why not stay DOWN."
| IT can't, Margaret. must put Vera
on her train, then go back to the Of
flee. What was it you wanted to see
me about?"
''Why. I have asked some people
down to sail with us Saturday. Her
fathers dying won't make any diff
ference. 1t isn't necessary to men,
ton it,
you can go on with your party
If you wish, Margaret, altho I strongly
disapprove, but I should not think OF
/ joining you. Vera showed our father
| every mark of respect even putting on
| heavy, unbecoming mourning. think
it only right that we show her father
some of the same respect"
| (Tomorrow-Vera resolves to be a
better daughte~)