The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-07-18
A Stenographer's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
IN THE big TOWN"
CHI PIER

AS Nellie Riley stepped from the
train in New York she followed the
crowd. The suitcase seemed heavier
than it had the night before. Sitting
/ up in a coach all night isn't con-
| ducive to freshness the next morning,
but she tugged along after the crowd
with it, scorning the porters who Of
fered to take it from her.
Might steal my jewels" she NUT
tered to herself. her eyes wide with
| surprise and delight. She knew New
York was blythe boarders had said
SO, and the Sunday papers that occa-
| sionally drifted to the Corners had
been treasured, and the supplements,
picture and magazine sections conned
over until worn out. But neither the
| boarders nor the newspapers had
given her any idea of the rush and
bustle of the hurrying crowd.
When she emerged from the sta
ton, she stood still, dazed, almost
frightened. Her brave little heart
flushed with excitement. Suca VIDE
streets, people dashing madly TO and
fro, such high buildings, so many
street cars and automobiles, that
seemed inextricably tangled up one
minute only to go gayly on their
separate ways the next.
She saw signs Rooms for Rent
even as she stood gazing at the I'M
wonted sights. But she had no idea
of going blindly into a rooming house.
one nao nearQ the dangers OF new
York discussed by the travelling men
as she waited upon them, gaining a
scolding from Miss Carter because she
fingered overlong when serving. No,
indeed, she would ask a policeman.
They would direct her where to go.
Fortunately for Nellie, she asked
the first officer she saw. It hap
pened to be Torrance O'Connor, one
of the best natured and whitest men
on the force.
sure 1 can help you'll" he said
heartily when Nellie explained her
need, adding that she had $25 to keep
her until she got a job. She wasn't
going to have this nice policeman
think she hadn't any money.
Hang on to it tight, kid. it won't
go far in this town. he said, looking
more keenly at her as be scrubbed a
few words on an envelope he had
taken from his pocket.
You go to that place, it amt far.
Tell Mrs. DooIey that Terry O'Connor
sent you. She's a decent sort and
won't rob you and what's more. her
houses respectable. And"-as Nellie
was about to speak-'go slow with
that $25. Sometimes it takes longer
than you think it's goin' to to land
job"
THANK you, Mr.. o'Connor. I knew
If asked a policeman I would be all
right Nellie replied, then hurried
away.
'Bless the innocent! She did. did,
she ?" and he chuckled and then
sighed, as he helped an old lady across
the street, then swore at a taxi driver
who nearly knocked down a lame
newSboy.
The moment Nellie mentioned Ter
rance O'Connor, Mrs. Dooley was a
changed person. She had been rather
short, seemed inclined to refuse to
take Nellie in until she saw the en-
velope the officer had written her ad-f
dress upon. and which also had been
addressed to him.
Sure I got a room for you, dearie,
if Terry O'Connor sent you-a nice
little room on the third floor for only
the fourth at $780,
"I'n take the top floor one, please"
IT always gets paid in advance.
'Riley, my names Nellie Riley"
She counted out the money into the
hand.
'And mines Dooley! Both of US
French - Ell" she laughed heartily,
Nellie joining her.
The room was tiny, depressing,
shabby, but fairly clean. 1t was now
past noon, and Nellie was hungry, so
after bathing her face and running a
comb thru her curls, she hurried out
for something to eat.
''I'll fix my things, unpack my trunk
this afternoon" she said aloud, then
in the morning I'll go after a job.
guess bed'n look and feel good to me
Sleeping in them trains may
be all right when you get used to it.
but it amt no joke till you are. I
ache all over"
She found a place to eat and, being
young, healthy and hungry. ordered a
good meal without thinking of asking
the price. When her check came she
paid it gamely enough. but as she went
back to her room she said:
Stomach, you better make the most
Of that meal. You'll never have an
other one like it! Bread and tea for
you till I get a job
Nellie always talked to herself. or
to imaginary things and people; per-
haps because most of her life she had
no one else to talk to-
CTomorrow-The search for a
position.)