The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-30
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
VERA TAKES BRIDGE LESSONS.
BY JANE PHELPS


/. CHAPTER 81.
Il heard Margaret go back down
stairs, but Keith did not come up,
and L knew he was thinking of me,
of what Margaret had said:
IF only she had more womanli-
ness, more poise, it would not be so
hard for you, dear" and I'VE are
always excusing her. There IS no ex-
cuse for her making a baby of her
self
Perhaps Margaret was right in one
way. 1 did cry easily, perhaps-but
they hurt me SO, and 1 wanted to be
loved and to be happy. Why, at
times the longing for love was so in
tense that 1 could only get relief by
taking little Gloria out and while we
walked, OF sat in the park, listen to
the prattle of her love for me. Often
as we sat on bench the feel Of her
little hand in mine. or quick. inn
pulsive kiss would comfort me. She
was an affectionate little thing, and
loved her dearly
1 determined as I lay there waiting
for my husband, listening for the
sound of his footsteps, that 1 would
not be such a cry-bapy. But I had
fallen asleep before he came. I was
young and healthy, and nature de-
manded that I rest and sleep even tho
1 was unhappy.
The next morning Keith was kind
and gentle with me, yet very quiet,
scarcely answering when I spoke.
He looked worn and tired. 1 now
realize that this antagonism between
his wife and his sister must have
been very trying. He loved us both,
1 am sure. He had given mis- word
to Margaret that he would not leave
her, and he would not break it. It
was really up to me to make him
happy, but so often 1 was concerned
with my own unhappiness, that
selfishly had no consideration for him.
That no house is large enough for
two families is truism. Surely ours
was not
I determined to learn to play cards
as we'll as the members of the club,
so that very day made arrangements
with a teacher to go to her three
times a week. I said nothing to any
one of my plan I feared if I men
toned it Margaret would find a way
of preventing it.
1t was expensive, but I had saved
few dollars occasionally and had
enough to pay for my lessons without
asking Keith for money 1 concen-
trated upon my task, and my improve
ment was very gratifying. My teacher
said I had card sense" whatever
that is. and SO I got along faster
than many of her pupils. Besides !
already played fair game. as had
been coached by Keith. -
I also intrigued him into playing
occasionally when we remaineds at
home in the evening, Margaret and
some friend of hers making the
quartet. But I was careful that the
proposal came from him, I-suggesting
it when we were alone, and he speak
ing of it to Margaret. I think he
understood my plan, but If he did he
never gave me away.
One night when we were playing
in the library, a Mrs. Grant making
the fourth Ca woman of whose play
ing 1 had tired of hearing). 1 played
so we'll that Keith congratulated me,
and Margaret said:
'She should play well if she is ever
going to. We play a good deal with
her. She has the advantage of learn
ing with good players"
THAT is everything!" Mrs. Grant
Joined in, yet Mrs. Sanderson seems
and when to apply them. I think she
plays as well as any of US"
Margaret's face darkened. She al
ways seemed to hate anyone to praise
me, or to show me any particular at
tention. So I simply said thank YOU
to Mrs. Grant, and went on playing
as well as possible.
But the praise had made me a bit
careless. And when Margaret and I
were playing together, I made mis-
take Dy winch we IOSC the ruDDer.
Margaret was Immediately sarcastic
and made some very cutting remarks.
L knew she was furious at losing the
game, yet that she was almost willing
to lose because of placing me in the
wrong.
"a really good player never makes
such a faux pas" she said when Mrs.
Grant said I wasn't to mind. I had
flushed uncomfortably.
After Mrs. Grant left Margaret
said:
IT entertain the club next week,
Keith. Don't forget and make some
engagement for that night
'Tll remember. Wednesday, sup
pose?"
Eyes"
I longed to ask If I were to play,
but dared not. But after we had
gone upstairs I said to Keith:
Don't you think 1 play well
enough to play with the club now? ]
know I made a mistake tonight, but
1 won't do it again.
THAT is as Margaret decides" His
tone forbade further conversation
upon the subject.
(Tomorrow-Vera tries to get even.