The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-12
THE REVOLT OF
VERA SANDERSON
BY JANE PHELPS
THE PIN-PRICks OF LIFE.
CHAPTER 16.


1t may seem childish IN me to re-
late these little happenings of the first
months of my married life, that life
l thought was to be so happy, so free
from care. But it is the little things
| that make or mar a womans life The
| little pin-pricks that are hard to bear.
| When something looms large before
US, we somehow get strength to meet
and bear it. But the everyday hurts,
| those inflicted by those about US,
they are the ones that upset US. At
least l found it so.
We all went to luncheon, Margaret
exquisitely dressed and groomed, but
cold as ice,'' as Sallie remarked Jack
Underwood, evidently requested by
| Keith, had called her and asked her
to accompany US.
AS usual she monopolized the con-
versation, was gay with Jack apd low
| ing with Keith when he appeared. Mr..
Underwood talked to Sallie when he
could, but l scarcely spoke all thru
| the luncheon, and no one seemed TO
notice, not even Keith.
This ignoring of me by Margaret
when we were in public, and her abb
| solute monopoly Of Keith SO that he
didn't appear to know 1 was feeling
neglected. was one of the hardest
! things l had to bear. 1 didn't blame
\ Keith SO much-then. she kept him
so entertained, so busy chatting with
her about the people they both knew
and whom 1 did not, that~he had no
time to devote to me. save to see my
wants were supplied in the way of
| food, ct cetera.
Another pin-prick-I never was
asked to order, not even consulted as
to what 1 would like when Margaret
was along [ mean when keith was
giving the luncheon. So when Mr..
| Underwood asked me politely what l
would like, 1 spoke right up in meet
ing" sallie said afterward. and told
! him.
why not all have the same thing p"
Margaret broke in. II am sure that
chicken a la king will be delicious,
then a salad, an ice and coffee
Good, Margaret" Keith said laying
| down the menue, but you always or
der perfectly"
Are all agreed on the order?" Mr..
Underwood asked. He looked at SAD
| lie not at me, or I should have OBJ
!; jected.> The luncheon was delicious,
so they all said scarcely touched it,
| When we rose from the table it was
| nearly o'clock. Too late for q mati-
nee, Mr.. Underwood said, and asked
US if we would like a motor ride. Sallie
said she would love to go, SO l also
| agreed. Margaret refused. was sur
| prised until she said:
ST have some errands to do, Keith.
| VIII you go with me? 1t is quite a
long time since we have run around
| to the shops together"
! eS, L In1lk 1 can spare al AOuIb
| Keith replied.
| 1 longed to say I would go with
| them, and let Sallie and Mr.. Under
| wood motor alone. But didn't dare.
I knew Margaret would in some way
impugn my motive to Keith, and SO
perhaps make him angry with me.
But I was young, the car beauty,
and so 1 enjoyed my ride. We did
not go home until nearly dinner time
Just time to dress for the theater.
I stopped a moment in Margaret's
room. I told her what a. pleasant
ride we had had, and said she should
have gone with US. While I talked
1 had seen new hat box from a
fashionable place, and some dainty
/ lingerie. and other things on. her
couch She had evidently been look
ing at her purchases
| But she did not mention them, so
I did not. But while we We're dress
ing I said to Keith, who had come
in soon after 1 went upstairs:
'swhat did you and Margaret buy
| this afternoon ?i'
"She bought a hat, some lingerie,
and a few things for the girls. Her
hat is most becoming
did you give it to herr"
| don't know where I found cour-
age to ask the question, but 1 so
wanted to know if he had bought
yes" coldly. do you object to
my making my sister a PRESENT."
i Certainly not! Your money is
! your own to spend as you please.
But will you do something for me,
Keith? Will you go with me to Sc
lect a hat-just you and me?"
Sometime perhaps. But you have
| Margaret to advise you If I cannot"
With that bad to be satisfied.
The next cay Margaret wore her
new hat and I am sure she would
have objected strenuously had Keith
bought me SO expensive one.
(Tomorrow-A jealous sister-in-law.)