The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-08
four DANCING FEET
HAPPINESS CHASES WORRIES.
CHAPTER sc.
BY JANE PHELPS

CHAPTER 46.
''Oh, ma, I'm SO glad, you waited
up tonight!' Gertie said as her mother
gave her the hot tea she had made.
''Fagin gave me s25 extra when 1
told him about Tim"
That's fine, dearie, now you can
get a hat and either a coat or dress
"Ill set a coat. ma, then no one
viii see the dress" her mind upon her
motor rides with Tom Norris when he
had wrapped her in his coat. Perhaps
he wouldn't come and If he did he
might not take her out riding, but she
would be ready if he did and anyway
the coat would, as she said. cover the
dress for street wear as we'll.
wen go shopping tomorrow. so as
to be sure it won't get used for other
things" Mrs. Cummings said, Too
well she knew there was always need
for every extra dollar. and she also
knew Gertie's generosity, This time
nothing should prevent her having the
things she so needed.
Its Saturday, and Jennie will be
home all the afternoon with Tim"
the mother went on. Now run along
to bed. Your eyes are like two stars
And, mother. I told Fagtn about
the butterfly dance, and he is awfully
interested; said he would buy the
clothes for me I must try and prac-
tice more than have lately. I guess
can work it out by myself. You
know I got that magazine with one
and that will help a lot. If get stuck
I'm going to tell him 1 want a couple
of lessons in one of the schools that
teach fancy dancing. I think he
would be willing to pay for them.
There's quite a lot more people come
now because of my dance-he told me
so-and this new one will be even bet
ter. He's real good to me, ma, and 1
was afraid he'd send me away because
of that fight
-InuVa I, - To III
sci. too, dearie. If you didn't help his
business he wouldn't be spending
money on clothes for you to dance in"
''Of course! But he's peen better
than I had any right to expect, You
see, ma, go against what he wants in
some ways. 1 won't sit at the tables
and order drinks and things. aid that
all brings him money"
"Weli-run on to bed"
Gertie dreamed of Tom Norris and
his motor car. of a new hat and cloak.
Then she slept heavily toward morn
ing, andNit was later than usual when
she awoke.
There's a messenger boy been
here, he brought this" Jennie handed
her sister crumpled + envelope,
Quickly Gertie tore it open and with
flushed cheeks, and quickened breath
ing read:
take a ride in the country if it is
pleasant Be ready at 2 o'clock, if
you will go. TOM NORRIS"
You'll have to get up now, Gertie,
if we are going to get your hat and
cloak this afternoon" Mrs. Cummings
appeared in the doorway. Whats the
message about
Il can't have any hat and coat,
leastways, not today Tom is here.
Ma. here in New York, and he is com
ing around to take me into the coun-
try-coming at 2 o'clock. Here, rea d
it yourself" she jumped lightly from
the bed, thrust the note into her
mothers hand and commenced to
dress.
I'D get the hat and coat and tell
him to come another day" Jennie said.
You are awful shabby in your old
ones"
Mrs. Cummings looked up
mol If he don't like me in my old
clothes he wouldn't in new ones. OF
course I'd like to look nice for him,
but I wouldn't miss going for all the
coats and hats in New York.
That's right, dearie, you go! Now
come and help me, Jennie, Gertie can
have her breakfast in a few minutes,
then she will have time to fix her hair
and get ready. I'll press your dress.
It will make it look bit better" and
by Jennie, she left the room.
Alone Gertie again read the mes
sage, then pressed the paper to her
lips. He hasn't forgotten me. He
wants me to go out with him again."
she whispered then sang softly from
sheer happiness, clothes. everything
forgotten in the rush of joy.
(Tomorrow-Tom's arrival brings
joy.)