, 1921-09-22
A Career and a
Name
By II. OXLEY STENCIL.

IuTls, S|ucruInenlO, new YORK., New
York, New York, Charleston, Charles
ton" IN Elizabeth, as she
quickly turned over the neat pile of
letters n glanced at the postmark
o. handwriting on each. With a deep
sigh she spread her snowy napkin and
began on her grapefruit.
II distinctly annoyed Elizabeth to
realize that she had expected a post
mark and handwriting which were not
represented in the mornings mail
that she had beer expecting a certain
letter for a month.
But 1t would be the least he could
do to write a note" she defended.
and he must Know about"
Good morning, Miss Elizabeth"
Martha's silent entrance through the
swinging door had lot 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 wafles look !" and Eliza
beth managed a bright smile.
But she didn't eat 'em like they
was any better than ordinary cooks
huht III Sht htNti Itah u IT, oAAN
Ct the letters-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
a working too steady in that little
study o. hers turning out stories that
the editor men are that eager to get
now. Old Martha sure is proud of
her child If we did have to come to
New York an this here apartment
that don't give breathing space and
could be set down an lost in the OLD
mansion in Charleston. But who
was IT didn't write to her? Everybody
must know-and to think of her caring
so"
Settled in her study, Elizabeth reso-
lutely tore open her mail as a duty
which must be performed before she
turned to the days program of work.
~"Freedom," her first book, had been
out but a short time, and relatives
md friends-as well as publishers
were congratulating her upon its in
slant success. All except Tom Har-
rlson. Oh, well, one couldn't expect
everything I'm this lifel But why vas
there no thrill?" She had hoped the
took would be popular n 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
been sure she would succeed. His be-
lief In her had encouraged Elizabeth
against every encouragement mere
editors could infiict. And o 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 c%ongratu-
late the successful author in person.
He would arrive from Baltimore at
five and come right out.
Elizabeth glanced at her calendar.
Today was Thursday. She must set
tie down to work al once upon the
serial promised this week.
Five o'clock found her still laboring.
Martha had brought in luncheon on a
tray and had fretted and fumed over
her child losing all her good looks
sitting over n desk" AS In a dream,
Elizabeth heard the ring at the door
and n familiar voice-but IL was not
Until she was confronted by Jack him
self. that she remembered he was due.
"a fine way to keep an engagement
Pardon the lnterruption-but hasn't a
fellow a right to intrude upon time
promised to him7"
30. Jack, how glad l am TO see you
| bad no idea OF the time-truly. And
this is just finished" Elizabeth sprang
up to greet him.
81 suppose n fellow should count
himself lucky to get any time with a
popular young author"
"NOt every one does" Elizabeth re-
torted rather vehemently.
"And SO some chap doesn't know
when he is lucky7"
"Don't. Jack, pleasel Amuse your
self and I'll be ready shortly"
Jack amused" himself by going out
to the kitchen and inquiring OF Martha
regarding the ARE Elizabeth was TAX
Ing of herself.
mo care at all, Mr.. Jack. She don't
even eatl Works too hard an some
things worrying her"
When Elizabeth entered the book
lined living room Jack, observing her
worn look, exclaimed ut isn't worth
II. Puss, not even for fame, Come on
and play with me. I've something to
tell you, too"
They chose n small but gay restau-
rant.