The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-04
THE NEW
GENERATION
AT THE PURPLE PUP.
BIZ JANE PHELPS
Chapter 50.


Joan started at her mothers request.
For the first time she appeared to no
tice that her companions were stand
ing beside her. listening.
This is Martha Hardy. mother, and
Mr.. Tenant. Mr. Forrester-Mar-
introduce himself to Craig.
While the two men were talking
Joan whispered:
"What does it all mean, Mother?
What are you doing here?"
Margaret lighted a. cigaret she had
obtained from Forester before she
answered, almost convulsed by the
look on Joan's face.
why, 1 am going to eat my dinner
as soon as it is served. Isn't a dinner
what we come here for?"
Joan opened her mouth. then closed
it abruptly.
II suppose should beg your par
don, mother, but why did you not let
me know you were coming SO l could
meet your" She looked with uncon-
cealed dislike at Forester, who was
immensely amused, but carefully hid
Il was met Joan. Mrs. Walters met
me, and I thought it unnecessary to
disturb your studies"
But what are you doing in New
York? Just visiting Mrs Walters?
Why isn't she with YOU" Joan's voice
taking on a sharp note as she glanced
at Craig FORESTER
"Oh, nothing muchl I was bored to
death after you left, so decided to
come to the big town and be amused"
Then: I'm just having the time of
my life going to theaters, restaurants
and all sorts of places"
But me- no butts, Joan. Go and
dine with your friends. When you
finish we will take you home if you
like. If not come and see me to-
morrow" Margaret flattered herelf
she was playing the Indifferent mother
pretty well.
How long have you been in New
York;" Joan asked loath. seemingly,
to turn away, altho at Margaret's re-
mark her two friends had slowly
moved toward the other SIDE of the
room.
mot very long. Run away now and
eat your dinner. There comes our
waiter with ours and I'm starYingi"
Margaret blew a cloud of smoke in the
air. Watching Joan keenly she was
induced to add:
"I guess you'd better not come to-
morrow after all. I have several en-
gagements. Come the day after. Have
you q pencil, Craig?" She used his
given name purposely.
There is my address. Shall 1 expect
you day after tomorrow, say at four p
"II come" Joan answered in a
muffled voice. then turned and Joined
Martha and Dean, a scowi on her
pretty face.
do get me some water quickly"
Margaret said to Forester, this hor-
rible cigarette smoke is choking me"
Forrester's voice shook with laughter
as he obeyed. 80
You are delicious. Margaret" he
said for the second time that night.
Their dinner finished. Margaret de-
liberately walked over to the table
y
friends, her untasted dinner before
her
Mrs. Hayden smiled charmingly.
"We're going now" she said, but
if you care, arrange to plan to stay to
dinner when you come day after to-
morrow. I have some friends dining
with me. Here's my address. East
Fifty you notice. Be careful you don't
forget and go West"
But shan't I see you alone, Moth
err" Joan's face was flushed, her eyes
angry.
ooh, yes! Wen have an hour be-
fore dinner. Wear your prettiest
gown. 1 want my daughter to do me
justice" and laughingly Margaret
bent down and left a careless kiss on
the flushed cheek, longing instead to
take the girl in her arms and tell her
how she loved her.
Joans face was suffused. she looked
almost fearful.
"Buth Mother-Mumsie-"
The last word almost unnerved
Margaret. but pulling herself together,
remembering how much she had at
stake she only said:
"Be sure and come by four. Wen
have a nice old-fashioned chat"
For the third time that night For
roster declared:
you are delicious, Margaret"
(Tomorrow-Joan visits her mother.)