The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-25
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
A FRIEND FROM HOME.
BY JANE PHELPS
CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER 27.
My bringing up, the atmosphere of
a small town, had not been such as to
make it seem either right or natural
fora married man to make an ap-
pointment with a woman not his wife.
Surely Keith would do nothing he
thought wrong, but-well. I didn't yet
quite understand some things about
! city life. would wait and see.
| But could not dismiss it from my
mind. My husband was going to
spend time in the intimacy of the tea
hour with another woman, one he had
been attentive to before he knew me.
1 was surprised when Erma Long
street, a girl 1 had known out home
called on me. She had married a
California to live. Her husbands
] business had now brought them east.
We never had been very intimate. be-
cause 1 never had gone out much,
but I was awfully pleased to see her
and told her SO. She and her hus-
band were both young, about my age.
and it would be nice to have them
with me, to be with them occasionally.
Jim and L do have such good
times she said enthusiastically. We
act like a couple of kids at times, but
as long as we are happy it is no ones
| business"
| do you keep house?" I asked
| Indeed we dol We have the cutest
flat, only five rooms, but so coy and
| comfortable. 1 am terribly old-fash-
toned, and do my own work. have a
cleaning woman twice a week who
does all the heavy work, washing, etc.
But 1 just love to cook, and every
thing is so new the daily cleaning is
nothing. Then, to, Jim is young and
has his way to make. I didn't marry
"a rich man like you did, She looked
around at my handsomely furnished
lrooms.
Keith isn't so awfully rich. altho
he does give me a great DEAL" told
her, land this is his sisters home, not
mine. I'd rather have a flat like
yours and do my work than to be
here" 1 had spoken without think
ing, and gladly would have taken back
my words were that possible.
You live with your husbands sis
ter?' astonishment in her voice as she
asked the question.
Yes. Keith has lived with her ever
since her husband died about eight
years ago, and he has promised to re-
main with her. She has two darling
girls. We are both devoted to them"
! L fastened to add. ! did not want
Erma to take away a false impression
l-or a true one either. Let her just
think L was passably contented with
the arrangement.
She, of course. L know absolutely
nothing about cooking or managing
Iservants, and she does it beautifully
But you never will learn unless you
try
Il know, and some day 1 hope Keith
will take an apartment" Then ]
Ichanged the subject, and we talked OF
home folks untif> Keith, unusually
Iearly, came in. 1 introduced him, and
there seemed to be a mutual liking,
! which pleased me immensely.
i When Erma left she made me prom
Use to lunch with her the next day.
Come and see what a famous cook
I am she said laughingly. Then tc
Keith: 81 hope to have you and Vera
to dinner soon, Mr.. Sanderson."
Thank you, we shall be glad to &C.
cept your invitation" He had an
swered so whole heartedly 1 could
/, have kissed him. A girl always has q
lot of pride in having her husband i'm
press before her girlhood friends ia
vorably.
; isn't she nice?'' asked Keith after
had hidden Erma goodby. I escort
ed her to the door, then ran back to
discuss her with him before it should
be time for dinner.
acquaintance. Take Margaret with
you to call"
Suddenly all enthusiasm because o.
Erma left me. 1 knew what Keith
=, m cant. If Margaret did not approve
of our friendship I should not be able
to entertain Erma and her husband
He wanted me to be tactful with hi:
, sister.
If,only Keith would have come right
+. out and said so to me, asked me tc
be careful because 1 would be happier
But when he spoke of such things il
was always to make Margaret happy
, to please her.
At dinner I spoke of Erma and hel
husband having come east to live, and
told of her call Margaret was onl!
mildly interested.
: "WiIl you call on Erma with M
l some day?" I asked. ..She would b'
so pleased"
} f"I'll see If I can spare the time
was her nonchalant reply.
"She says she has learned to be
famous cook, that she loves it." I add
ed, "and she is always delighted wher
Ipeople come in for tea. If you arr
willing we will go on Friday"
'I can't say now. I'll let you know
If my engagements permit"
I said no more, sure her curiosit!
would make her go with me. Ais
: sure that Keith was pleased that hat
. asked her.
I must try to he more tactfuf
thought while Keith and Margare
5 chatted of things in which I had n
interest.
(Tomcrrow-An invitation declined
1 then accepted.)
81 oils