The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-10
The Woman
He Married
BY JANE PHELPS
NAN FINDS DICK OUT WITH
JUNIOR

CHAPTER ST.
Mildred Joined us after the con-
cert. She. too, was going to the tea.
After greeting US she said:
You look charming, Nan. Doesn't
she, Mrs. Watson?''
Indeed she does. That is love
of a Dress
"F'iatterers!" 1 laughed. flushing.
The studio was crowded with either
very smart, or very peculiar looking
people.
Society people, or writers and ar
tists," Mildred whispered. Then she
introduced us to several charming
men and women. One girl with
ested me and I inquired who she was.
"Aime Lawton, Greenwich Viii
lage artist. She is very clever, does
drops for the stage, ct cetera."
But why does she dress like that?'
':Just a fad with he9 1 imagine
With some it is matter of economy.
perhaps necessity"
81 never have been in Greenwich
Village"
I'VE must make up a party some
night and go down." Mildred declared,
George doesn't care much about the
to go with Us. If not, We'll go any
way" Then to Clara: would you
and Mr.. Watson care to join a party ?"
II would love it, and am sure Jim
WOulu De pledSeu- Tiara responded
enthusiastically. She told me after
ward that it wouldn't have made one
bit of difference where Mildred had
asked her to go, she would have ac-
cepted.
''Then it is settled that some night
do the lVillarge.> Don't wear too
good clothes Some of the places
aren't as clean as they might be-"
Mildred laughed as she said it. Miss
Lawton had Joined us, and 1 expect
she didn't want to hurt her feelings
We had tea and crumpets, and
cute little cakes. A Hawaiian or
chestra played while tea was being
served, and afterward there was some
singing. 1t was nearly o'clock when
we left. Dick would be at home be-
In my interest in what had been
going on. 1 had forgotten to think of
myself-my dress. And, with the
thought of Dick, came the thought
dress. I would rave to make expla-
nations. 1 was just little distressed.
knew I would have to some day, of
course. but had hoped to put it off
until he had recovered from the NOV
ing. But, he should make more
money! 1t was ridiculous thSC he
should hold a position where he might
and not take advantage of it. .l,rsr
never could have gone to that
studio tea if I hadn't had a decent
Dress so I tried to make myself BE-
lieve. Yet there had been several
there who were not as we'll dressed
as I would have been. had worn my
old suit. This I tried to ignore. be-
cause 1 would have been utterly mis-
cradle in it.
1 was very quiet going home-Mi1-
bred took us uptown in her car. Both
she and Clara teased me about it, and
L pretended I had a slight headache.
1T was close in the studio" Clara
said. "A1l that incense burning, and
no windows open, made me a little
dizzy, Also
Don't forget our party next week."
Mildred said as She left US at the
house, after, telling us how nice it had
been to be together. "Tll get George
to fix a night when he can go, and will
telephone you"
I hurried into the elevator
us Mr.. Williams in?'' 1 asked.
HE went out with the kid about
five minutes ago." the fresh elevator
boy told me-
I worked quickly when I reached
our apartment. pulled off my dress
before L removed my hat. and hung it
away in the closet. Then 1 donned my
work dress, put my hat and gloves
away, and when Dick came in, was
busily engaged in getting dinner 50
I had postponed the evil day, but
was not quite happy. I had not yet
become hardened in deceitful ways
(Tomorrow-Nan tells Dick of the
cOncert)