The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-11
THE NEW
GENERATION
JOAN QUESTIONS HER MOTHER
ABOUT CRAIG FORESTER.
By JANE PHELPS


Casually Margaret brought in Craig
Forrester's name. Martha had finally
left them alone. her manner cons,d-
erably more cordial. The good lunch
con had evidently had an effect.
Mother, what are you doing here,
in New York? I have a right to ask,
haven't I?'' with unusual humility, yet
with & sternness in her voice. And
why-are You so awfully different?
And all the clothes, and that wonder
full apartment-and oh, everything p"
she blundered thru.
My dear Joan, I do, not intend to
interfere with your freedom, your self
expression. Why should you try to in
terfere with mine? I too am a human
being like yourself entitled to just the
/ same freedom of action. I tired of
that sleepy old town and came here.
I've told you that before-the other
night"
sloan walked away. Some way she
never had been made to feel so young,
so helpless. There was something she
could not fathom. Suddenly she
/ wheeled and asked:
us it Mr.. Forester, mother2"
SIS what Mr.. Eorrester?"
as he-to-blame-for it all-the
way you have changed and all? I
think have a right to know who has
spoiled my mother
Am I spoiled %
ooh, I don't know! Perhaps! I
am so puzzled. Tell me about Mr..
Forester" she said in a changed tone:
; "Oh, Craig is a very good friend OF
mine" Margaret used his name pur-
posely, her tone careless. He is a
charming man, don't you think? He
makes New York very attractive tor
me. We must take you out with US
occasionally-afterI see to your ward
robe"
Are you going to-marry-him ?
Are you, mother?"
Margaret flushed. then laughed.
What funny child it is to think
its mother can't have a man friend
without wanting to marry him"
care you in love with him. thepE !
As she received no other answer save
a blush, she added: Excuse me,
mother. I have no right to question
you-as you have Just told me;
you're excused. I'll admit I am
awfuIly curious about you and your
young friends. So it's a fifty-ti fifty
proposition, my dear. Who is Dean
remnant? And are you in love with
him?''
artistic fellow. And I am not in love
with him-not yet" The young voice
held a, threat it seemed to Margaret.
ct wish for your sake he wore
cleaner linen" Margaret remarked.
Fresh linen adds to a mans appear
ance don't you Think"
Joan disdained to answer. Was this,
could it be her mother talking in this
way? Could it be the little gray
mouse of a mother who all her life
had kept in the background and made
her Joan's,, life, her happiness, suf-
ficient.
How long shall you stay in New
York. mother?" One would have
thought them almost strangers in
stead of mother and daughter.
permanently, I think. Why?"
nonchaIantIy replied Margaret. 'T
must go now. Can call cab from
here?"
Joan called the nearest cab station
and ordered taxi.
She's glad am going" Margaret
said to herself a little repentant tug
Goodbye, dear" The taxi was
waiting.
Goodbye. mother. When shall I
see you again."
Come to dinner on Sunday Mid
day dinner"
THANK you"
Margaret kissed her quietly. then
'Take care of your complexion.
Joan. Nothing adds so much to a
woman's looks as a clear skim
Joan could not know that her
mother cried all the way back to the
apartment; neither did Margaret sus-
the bed and Wept bitterly, Each
longed hungrily for the other, but
neither would allow the other to know
if they could help it.
(Tomorrow-It Is 6 Good Deal to Be
Just a Mother)