The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-22
The Woman
He Married
BY JANE PHELPS
A LOST CHANCE.
CHAPTER As.

T lad been lunching with Clara and
Laura Burbank. was rather late in
getting home, and was out of breath
when got into the elevator. knew
Dick wasn't in as soon as opened the
door. AS soon as he got home he al
ways romped and played with Junior,
making great noise.
Mrs. Dooly helped me out Of my
dress.
"Mr. williams is late tonight"
said.
There's telegram. ma'am, almost
forgot Just then heard Dicks key
in the door.
For me?"
st couldn't make out, ma'am, If it
was for you or him. I didn't open
IT. Had I not been anxious, her
naivete would have amused me. But
a telegram-it was seldom we had
received one.
Dick, there's a telegram on the
ried in to him.
MY father is very ILL.," Dick said,
handing me the message:
Father very i'll, come If you can"
1t was signed by his sister.
knew there was a strong bond
of affection between Dick and his
invalid father. My heart ached for
him as he tried to eat his dinner.
You will go. of course"
Yes. I must. Nan. 1t will cost
me a lot, but This voice broke.
You mustn't think of the cost
Take that money you made in cot
ton. Well have some more some
day to use for the market"
Il had forgotten that! 1t will Just
about pay my expenses"
Z laN T.
would start the. next morning. Then
1 packed his bag, and we went to
bed. But he tossed all night long,
wakeful, thinking. I knew, of his
father ana wondering If he would ar
rive in time.
How trivial everything else seemed
when bade him goodbye. His sor-
rowful face, his attempt to be cheer
full, nearly broke my heart, and 1
tried in every way to encourage him,
saying that his father might not, be
SO ill as they thought.
81 will wire if there is any need,'
he had said before he left. / knew
he meant if his father died.
He called me from the office and
told me the firm had been very nice
to him, had told him to stay as loeg
as necessary, and that his pay would
go on just the same. / knew he told
me SO I wouldn't worry about money.
If you have to, use some of your
own, Nan. Then I'll replace it when
come back. 1 don't think you will
have to tho. as I probably won't be
gone long" i knew from his tone that
he felt there was no hope his father
would live.
'.Ail right. dear. Don't worry about
US. and don't give up hope" replied.
The next day he wired me:
Father has had a stroke. Is sink
ing fast
I cried bit as I went about my
work. Dicks father had appealed to
me- far more strongly than had his
mother. But my tears were not for
the old gentleman-thY were for
Dick, because knew he would grieve.
I remained closely at home while he
was away. His father had passed
away the second day after his arrival.
He died in his Sleep" Dick had
return.
Mrs. Gray was so kind and neigh
borly that I really loved her. in spite
of her disapproval of the things I did.
She didn't know I did them or I am
sure she would never have mentioned
them. She was too kind-hearted
I went to the train to meet Dick
when he came home. He was pale
and sad looking The mourning band
on his arm told of his loss. He kissed
me fondly. and said:
I'VE shouldn't be sorry, Nan. and we
mustn't grieve more than we can help.
He died peacefully. and he suffered
when living. He knew me, talked with
me a little. 7 never can be grateful
enough for that
1t was not until after dinner that he
told me.
Father left me $1,000. No one
knew he had as much as he did. 1t
seems he had made some investments
wears aeo that he thought worthless.
but which have Welded enough for
mother. and my $4,000. Sis (his sis
teri would take nothing"
Five thousand dollars! We were
rich. At least we now had money to
use that would make us rich.
ITO be continued