The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-07
THE NEW
GENERATION
MARGARET COMEDIES IN CRAIG
BIZ JANE PHELPS

Chapter 81.
Margaret could not easily give up
arguing with Joan. The child never
had known what an empty purse
meant While she herself had only
vague ideas on the subject, Margaret
knew it was decidedly uncomfortable,
to say the least.
you see, dear, it isn't as tho you
had been accustomed to economizing.
You have been extravaganza in little
ways-a1ways. Even if you live very
simply it will cost quite little. I
shall worry myself sick for fear you
aren't eating what you should"
Now see here. mumsie." a bit of
the old impudent tone creeping in. Il
have decided to do this, SO what's the
use making yourself and me miserable
about it? If I Starve in garnet I'll
starve. But after this months al
lowance is gone 1 take no more money
from any one unless I earn it-unless
give value received"
you don't care if I worry?"
"Of course I do! But if you will
just be sensible, you'll see there is
nothing to worry about"
you'll come up and have dinners
with me?'
"That's another thing, mumsie! I
haven't time now for any gay parties
not often. I'll have Sunday night
dinner with you, and once during the
week. I planned that all out before
L IOlQ you
but that will be only two good
meals a week. You'll surely get
Sick Margaret was almost weeping.
Joan laughed uproariously.
What an idea of my talents you
have! I surely cannot feel flattered
L expect to live on the fat of the land.
I shall be a regular female Irwin
Cobb, see if l don't, but without his
avoirdupois, I hope" Then: I'm
determined, mumsie, so please don't
use yourself up trying to dissuade
me-"
Margaret left. turning over in her
mind all sorts of plans by which she
could relieve the distress she was sure
would follow this Quixotic scheme Csf
Joan's.
"Why couldn't she try first, then if
she succeeded give up her allow
ance?" she asked Craig Forester, in
whom she had confided.
You asked her that question, I pre-
sumo. What was her apswer?"
THAT she lacked concentration;
that she needed something to push her
to give the best there was in her; that
she read enc book a little while and
then she laid it down and picked up
and read another instead or sticking
to the first until she had finished it.
Oh, Craig, what shall I do with her?
just know she win make herself Ill.,
mo, L scarcely think that. That
crowd she runs with are always shar-
ing with each other. But what a girl
she isl" He used Margaret's very
word. "Most girls are reaching our
for more these days. Whoever heard
of one giving up a fat allowance to
show she had ability to earn her liv-
ing? But now she wont have time
for you, so she told you, so you'll have
to marry me"
That's further off than ever. Do
you think 1 would even consider my
own happiness while that poor child is
struggling away wdithout a maid-TlI
send Hannah down once a week-and
earning her own living, or trying to %
SO I'm to be put off AGAIN.
You certainly are! It would break
her heart if 1 should get married, ana
now that she has to work so hard IL
would be an awful thing Tor me to
do" Then; Don't wait for me any
longer, Craig" her voice trembled "I
shall never be able to marry you"
"Oh yes, you will! All take Joan
and drown her, as they do young kit
tens, before I'll lose you. Really, Mar
garet, what right have you to let that
young girl spoil both our lives? 7
know you care for me. and you know
how I feel toward YOU
II am to blame for any thing and
everything Joan does. 1t Is my fault
that she is not the usual conventional
girl of IS who hasn't a single serious
thought If 1 went too far with her,
allowed her too much freedom, it is
nay duty to see her thru So far she
has come thru all right. NOW there
is this new phase-so new to ner thar
she has no conception of what It wilt
mean. She may not be successful, al
tho believe she will. But should she
fail, she will need me more than ever
before. Perhaps she will let me be
her pal then"
'sStill thinking of that?"
Eyes, and always shall until 1t
comes true"
(Tomorrow-Marga discovers a
way to help,)