The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-11-10
THE NEW
GENERATION
MARGAREr VISITS JoAN's ROOMS
By JANE PHELPS

Cnapler o.
Margaret had felt lonely; lonely for
the first time since she had decided
upon winning her daughters interest
as a woman; her love as a young
mother. She dressed with metricu-
lous care for this first visit to her
daughters rooms. One would have
thought she was about to attend some
society function she was so hard to
suit.
II must look my very best" she
said to Hannah. who stood beside her.
Joan will perhaps introduce me to
some of her young friends and 1 want
to make an impression"
''They will think you are lovely,
they can't help it," Hannah returned
honestly. To her simple mind the
change in her mistress was little short
Of miraculous. She adored her. and
was delighted to see the difference
her determination to enjoy herself
had wrought.
II hope so! want Joan's friends
to like me, think me interesting" To
Margaret this seemed to more clearly
express her feeling than any other
word. She wanted Joan and her
friends to be interested in her; to find
her interesting, not because she was
Joan's mother; but because she was a
woman with a personality of her own.
when Margaret raped, Joan's
young voice babe her enter. Pur-
posely had Margaret appeared a bit
earlier than she was expected.
Martha Hardy was with Joan. and
from the expression on the two girl
ish faces they had been talking Sc
riously.
Come inn Joan called. Then;
ooh. mother!"
I'm a bit early I know. If you
are busy don't let me interrupt you"
Margaret kept her tone casual, while
her glance wandered about the room.
''No-we're not busy, not very,
Martha, you remember my mother?'
There was none of the pride in her re-
lationship that Margaret longed to
hear.
''Of course. I'll run along now. I
am sure you will want to be alone"
Not at all, Martha! may call
you Martha, mayn't II" Margaret
asked in her most engaging manner.
81 expect all Joan's friends to be my
friends. I am so little older than she
is that am sure shall enjoy you all
immensely"
Afterward Margaret told Janet
Walters:
Il just took the bull by the horns
and told them I was young. 1t was
a study to see Joan's face when I said
1t; she looked ready to cry
81 hope so, Mrs. Hayden" Martha
had answered bit stifly. Margaret
tried to study out the psychology of
to Martha. about her feelings, that she
believed her mother should be frank
~ old, and dress the part? Or was
Martha imbued with the same idea?
Did she want her mother to be old,
and dress old, too?
Now why can't we three have a
nice little luncheon sent in? 1 noticed
a charming restaurant every near"
1--WE usually go out for luncheon.
Buff you wish Joan replied.
I'll telephone" Margaret threw her
hat, dainty expensive CONNECTION.
upon the bed with studied carelessness.
She asked the name of the restaurant,
asked for the manager, and without
consulting anyone ordered a delightful
luncheon.
Two walters came up with the heavy
trays. Joan and Martha looked on
while Margaret helped improvise a
table large enough for three, and
while she helped the walters set out
the food. They were to return in half
an hour with the dessert.
mo sooner" she warned them, 1--WE
don't intend to be hurried, do we
girls?" she brightly asked, a murmur
her answer.
The luncheon was delicious. Breast
of chicken with mushrooms, a vegeta-
BILE, a delicious salad Crisp rolls, and
a great pitcher of milk.
Il don't drink tea or coffee. except
a cup of black coffee at night so my
complexion will not suffer" Margaret
said gayly. st am rather proud of my
skim
The half hour was just up when ice
cream and delicious cake appeared.
Afterward Margaret sank back in a
big lounging chair and asked:
'ShalI we smoke? %
'I should say not!" Joan replied. 'I
don't care very much about smoking
(Tomorrow-Joan questions her moth
er concerning Craig Forrester.)