The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-10-12
A Career and a
Name
By H. oxLEY STENCIL.

ton" murmured Elizabeth, as sh'
quickly turned over the neat pile O.
letters and glanced at the postmarl
o. handwriting on each. With deer
sigh she spread her snowy napkin ant
Eegan on her grapefruit.
II distinctly annoyed Elizabeth t.
realize that she had expected post
mark and handwriting which were not
represented In the mornings mall
that she had been expecting a certain
letter for month.
"But 1t would be the least he could
do to write note" she defended,
"and he must know about"
Good morning, Miss Elizabeth"
Nlartha's silent entrance through the
swinging door had not been observed
by the girl. She glanced up quickly.
The face Of the woman told her moth
ing.
Good morning. Martha. My, how
good your wafIles look I" and Eliza
teth managed bright smile.
''But she didn't eat 'em like they
was any better than ordinary cooks
bake an she never read single one
al the lctters-not even Mr.. Jacks"
unused Martha when, on returning
later. she first surveyed the plate from
which only one gOlden-brown waffle
was missing and then the retreating
figure Of the slender girl. "She's just
q working too steady in that little
study o. hers turning out stories that
the editor men are that eager to get
now. Old Murtha sure Is proud Of
her child If we did have to come t.
New York an this here apartment
that don't give breathing space anr
could be set down an lost in the ole
mansion In Charleston. But who
was 1t didn't ~'rite to her? Everybody
must kn0w-and to think of her caring
So"
Settled IN hnr study, Elizabeth reso-
iutely tore O"en her mall as duty
which must be performed before she
turned to the days program of work.
Freedom" her first book, had been
out but short time, and relatives
and friends--as well as publishers
were congratulatlng her upon its in
stant success, All except Tom Har-
rieon. Oh, well, one couldn't expect
everything in this life! But why was
there no thrlll2" She had hoped the
took would be popular and had
counted upon these very letters as
proof that she had not made a mis-
take In choosing a career and New
York for its setting.
When left alone by the sudden
death Of her father-sO soon after
that Of her invalid mother, Elizabeth
had wanted to get away from the ter
rihlc loneliness. There had been much
opposition to her plans upon the part
Of relatives and friends-again with
one exception. Tom Harrison had
Leen sure she would succeed. His be-
lief In her had encouraged Elizabeth
against every encouragement mere
editors could inflict. And now the
latter were seeking her stories.
She read her cousin Jacks letter |
last. 1t was brief and meant to re-
mind her that she had promised to
dine with him on Thursday and go to
the theater later. He would cOngratu-
late the successful author in person.
He would arrive from Baltimore at
ave and come right out.
Elizabeth glanced at her calendar.
Today was Thursday. She must set
tie down to work at once upon the |
serial promised this week.
Five o'clock found her still laboring.
had brought in luncheon on a
tray and had fretted and fumed over
her child losing all her good looks
sitting over desk" As In a dream,
Elisabeth heard the ring at the door
and familiar voice-but 1t was not
lntii she was confronted by Jack him
'elf. that she remembered he was due.
"A line way to keep an engagement!
Pardon the interruption-but hasn't a
fellow right to intrude upon time
u omised to him"
20, Jack. how glad am to see you
bad no idea Of the time-truly. And
his Is Just finished" Elizabeth sprang
Up to greet him.
II suppose fellow should count
himself lucky to get any time with
popular young author"
"NOt every one Does" Elizabeth re-
crted rather vehemently.
sand so some chap doesn't know
When he Is lucky?"
Don't. Jack, please! Amuse your
elf and I'll be ready shortly"
Jack amused" himself by going out
b the kitchen and inqulring Of Martha
tgarding the care Elizabeth was TAX
le of herself.
"NO care at all, Mr.. Jack. She don't
ven eat! Works too hard an some
ling's worrying her."
When Elizabeth entered the book
ned living room Jack, observing her
orn look. exclaimed: 1T isn't worth
. Puss. not even for fame. Come on
nc play with me. I've something to
II you. too.". |,
They chose q small but gay restau-
int.
elizabeth" said Jack when they
ere slipping tlssir coffee. II know you I
N tell love story bettee than I. but