The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-10-15
THE NEW
GENERATION
BIZ JANE PHELPS
MRS. WALTERS URGES MARGARET
TO DRESS BECONfINGLY.
By JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER AZ.


While it amused her, Margaret also
felt a bit worried because of Joan's
confession. She laughed when she
thought Of the name she had applied
to the stately Mrs. Thompson, then
grew more serious when she recalled
Joan's naive manner of deciding
whether she liked Ted or Malcolm the
best. But she could only watch and
await developments. Joan was always
popular. Her freedom of speech and
manner, her breeziness, her familiarity
with outdoor sports made her a much
sought companion of the young peo-
pie; both boys. and girls. Margaret
knew she had made no idle boast
when she said she was bound to be
popular in college.
But the idea of an engagement ring
having a moral effect" the serious
way Joan had spoken was really too
ridiculous. And yet in way she had
been right. She had meant that owing
fealty to some one person might keep
her from becoming too friendly with
others. Margaret knew the working
of her daughters mind SO well that
she could now almost reason from
Joan's dpoint-forgettin her own
ideas on any subject they discussed.
Ted, being a house guest. was down
to breakfast Margaret repressed a
smile as she saw his sulky face. But
Joan seemed not to notice and chatted
away as brightly as usual, making
plans for the day: tennis, boating, and
/ a little impromptu dance at Gloria
Freeman's would fill the time pleasur-
ably. --..
They were sitting on the porch when
Malcolm came strolling in. He, toe
wore a look entirely at variance with
his usual good-natured face
| 'I thought you'd never come, Nal
colm,' Joan said reprovingly, Tied
| and I have been waiting half an hour
| for you. I just telephoned Hortense
to meet US on the tennis court"
I'm sorry if have kept you wait
| ing, Malcolm replied. but Margare
thought he looked rather pleased than
| otherwise.
They started off Immediately, Joan
hanging on an arm of each, all three
/ talking at once.
that daughter of yours is" Mrs. Wal
tiers remarked to Margaret
Joan is a dearH'
THE way you allow her to decide
| things for herself would spoil anyont
/ She has so much good sense
Margaret smiled, but wondered
what Ted's mother would say had she
heard the naive confession of the early
morning Malcolm too bashfuI. toe
afraid Of offending Ted too rough
/ too anxious" and neither pleasing
her royal highness, f
yes, she is to be trusted At leasi
I have always found It to be So
May say something to you, Mar
garet % Both women now called
each other by their given names. yet
| had been singularly averse to undue
familiarity. as are all women, perhaps
men, also, who hive much alone.
"Of course you may, Janet What
is it?' Margaret felt she was Showing
a tinge Of asExiety in her voice was
it something about Joan-and Ted
perhaps?
! 1T is about the. way. you dress
| You are younger than I am, yet ]
am sure people would take you to be
five or six years older. maybe more
When you do dress as you should you
are absolutely loyely. and look more
t like Joafls sister than her mother"
Perhaps that IS why I wear sober
things" Margaret smiled, yet she
b1usbed also. She recalled that Craig