The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-08-05
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
VERA FINDS A NEW HOME.
CI A DFEP
BY JANE PHELPS

1 Of1A6 1Eh %.
| The letter 1 had written Keith and
left on his chiffonier. in no way ex-
pressed what I felt. long as it was. /
had simply stated a lot of facts, re-
counted numberless episodes. But
either had to write as had, or let the
bitterness shat consumed me show SO
plainly that Keith never would think
| kindly of me again.
/ visualized Keith going to the bank
to verify my statement that I had
drawn my money. I knew If he
showed my letter to Margaret, she
would sneer and likely say all cared
for was that bit of money. 1 won
| dered idly what she would advise him
to do, knowing he would do as she told
him.
! could see the look on her Ease
when he told her that had told him
to advertise in the newspaper if he
wanted me to return to him. She
would call me theatrical, say I was
| having heroics, and many other words
in her personal vocabulary, familiar to
me from long usage by her when did
anything of which she disapproved.
In the morning the only thought I
could entertain was a wonder if Keith
had read my letter, and If he had any
| cofnpunctions for the unhappy life he
had compelled me to live; and if he
ever would send for me to come back
| to him-on my terms?
drank some coffee, then went to
the station, closely yelled, bought a
ticket for the town in which I intend
ed to stay for a time at least, checked
my trunk, and boarded the train.
By inquiring 1 found that an old
| lady would take me in as a boarder.
When saw her sweet face, and felt
the quiet atmosphere of her simple
cottage, I could not keep back the
tears. 1 felt had found place where
could rest, and where could think
out my future.
You are Mrs. Brown" she looked
at me kindly.
"a widow?''
I hesitated. Should I tell her the
truth: 1 decided not. That it would
harm no one to say I as widowed.
So said;
Yes" my black clothes bearing me
out.
We walked up a flower bordered
path to the door. She had come to
be. Then into the little parlor with
its hair cloth furniture and rag rugs.
its cool muslin curtains, and its air of
meliness and comfort.
IF only Keith and I could have a
place like this" I thought, then shiv-
cred with dread as I remembered that
probably I never would be with Keith
again; perhaps never see him.
Until was alone in my little chintz
hung bedroom I did not realize the
strain thru which I had passed. I
had done everything so hurriedly; had
been so unhappy while doing it that
simply collapsed and had to go to bed
at once. Never will forget the kind
ness. the sweetness of dear Mrs. AL
drich, my landlady's name. She
treated me as if were her own child,
not stranger who had no claim,
= ofe hnV
For nearly a week I was ill, not
physically, but mentally, so tortured,
SO unhappy, so longing for my hus-
bands love that lay inert, only rous-
ing myself when Mrs. Aldrich brought
me some dainty and insisted upon my
eating.
You will be very I'll. my dear, if
you do not eat. Your trouble has
left you weak and exhausted" I let
her think I had lately been widowed.
She asked no questions, taking me on
faith. 1t was so soothing to feel that
she trusted me.
Often as 1 watched her moving
about the room 1 recalled books or
newspaper articles I had read where
girls and women found refuge in I'M
Where they had no one to care for
them, and were miserably uncomfort-
able in every way.
How fortunate I waSi
In a week 1 compelled myself to get
up. When was dressed 1 looked in
the glass. 1 could scarcely believe a
weeks illness, a weeks misery could
make such ravages. looked ten years
older. My sunken shadow trimmed
eyes, my thin cheeks, colorless.
shocked me.
''You must get out doors, help me
with my flowers. That will bring
your color back" Mrs. Aldrich said
as she watched me
"Will you let me?"
"Of course I will, my child
oh, how that simple my child
comforted mel threw my arms
around her neck impulsively and
kissed her. She returned my embrace,
and said:
! ST guess the Lord guided you to
me, my dear. I am lonely old wom-
an. My last ledger. an elderly wom-
an, left me a month ago. It is neces-
sary both financially and because of
my loneliness that have someone
with me-"
Tomorrow-A new and a disturbing
thought)