The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-04-21
FOUR DANCING FEET
GEfsEin RRoVEs ;H ira sSbN,
SETFFTSHNESS. -, :,
BY JANE PHELPS

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!. aEas1 IL; fRoVEs i HEB z: s. IA.
SETFTSHNE SS. > -,
Ay Chapter 5.-s~E \ - I ~
Gertfe was so1exctted shs atsetslept
but little. That nice okingi we'll
dressed fellow was coming to, take her
to ride! She thrilled at the thought
1t was funny but she didn't know his
name. she hadn't thought to ask. And
he didn't know hers, suppose he was
only fooling. and wouldn't come after
ALI Even before the thought gained
place. Gertie knew that he would
come.
wake up, Lii! You sleep like a
log. Say. LII" when the blue eyes
opened and the stretching and yawn-
Ing with which Lilly invariably coaxed
herself to a realization of what was
going on, was over-''What do you
think? That fellow what brought me
home is going to take me for a motor
ride this afternoon Then, remem-
bering. where did you go? 1 stayed
awake for ever and ever so long to
tell you."
eve went into one of them aII-night
places and Talked Gee. but I'm sleepy
this morning. Is that all you got out
you riding f'
yes. tried to get UP courage to
hint for some silk stockings. thin ones
like yours, but didn't have the nerve.
amt no good that way, ILL I guess
never will be-
We'll. my society is worth some
thing. I amt giving my time to no
fellow for nothing. You don't get no
thanks for it If you do" Then, That
gink was with gave me IS to buy
something"
Gertie sighed. while In her favorite
posture-kRees CLASP ed in .arms-she
tried to digest the philosophy of her
roommate. Evidently there was
according to Lilly's viewpoint,
Il wish I had a pair of thin stock
ings to wear" she finally remarked.
her big eyes brooding.
It's your own fault you amt got
'em. Chicken hearted is what you
are" Then both jumped up, their
healthy appetites clamoring.
Laughing and chattering. the two
girls dressed. Their eyes were bright
with youth and eagerness to know. the
each going to the rooms occupied by
their families for their late breakfast
Girls who dance in cabarets every
night are not expected to rise early.
So the clock was striking IL when
Gertie said:
Ma, can you spare me a little of
that money gave you the other day ?"
How much. dearie? The rent is
due tomorrow. You know, and Tim will
have to have a pair of shoes or stay
home from school"
Gould I have $50" AS it was
money she had earned. her request
might sound quite modest: but to see
Mrs. Cummings eyes one would have
thought Gertie had demanded the en-
tire earnings of the family.
Five dollars!> Why, dearie,
couldn't pay the rent. 1t took all the
money could earn this month for to
feed you children, and buy Jennie a
new dress. She had to have It. dearie.
H.
girls in school made fun of her
called her rags.
Never mind, ma. I'll get along"
Mrs. Cummings noted the sob that
died in Gertie's throat.
IT'S too bad, dearie, and you're so
good to US all. I don't know how
could live If it wasn't for you, and the
children wearin' out their clothes so
fast What was it you wanted to buy.
dearie?"
Never mind I can get along all
right. ma Get Tim his shoes. 1 don't
want the other kids maxim fun OF the
children
Mrs. Cummings sighed. but said no
more. 1t had been hard task. this
bringing up her family after her hus-
band died Since Ger1ie had danced
iE. the cabaret things had gone a little
better. Fine ironing was wearing
work. but Mrs. Cummings had to do
something she could take home on ac-
Say. ma. an awful nice fellow came
home with me last night
Mrs. Cummings stopped In her task
of washing dishes. wet hands raised, a
look very like fear in her eyes
was Lilly with you?''
mo, she had a fellow of her own.
came straight home. but she went in
somewhere for supper. He's asked
me to go riding in an auto this after
noon. told him would
rs he all right. Gertie? You know
some fellows think poor girl like you
If she's pretty-iS-''
Nothing like that. MAJ He wanted
to come and call. 1t made me laugh.
Didn't even ask to come in like that
guy told you about the other night
but just treated me like q real lady
I'm afraid. dear:e. You're too
pretty to be in that show
There amt nothin to be afraid of
ma! amt got the nerve to be gay
with them-even If wanted TO be.
and with him couldn't even want to-
He's swell looking too, ma. Tall and
strong. He's got a good face, 100. the
kind you feel right off you can trust,
and don't need be afraid or what he'll
say or do
Il hope IT'S all right, dearie-but
can't help feelin' afraid every time
one of them brings you home. If L
didn't know you was good, couldn't
bear it, dearie.''
Tomorrow motor ride with Tom
Norris.)
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Il