The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-19
four DANCING FEET
THE FIRST KISS.
by JANE PHELPS
Tom had kissed her!

Tom had kissed her!
Gertie's cheeks famed The KISS, a
iebt one, nav have meant nothing:
other fellows had often tried TO KISS
her. some even had succeeded, only
to make her angry and disguised ooth
with them and with herselI, bue t us
was somewhat different. Even While
he kissed her she had felt no loss or
respect, either his or her own
Her mother. tired, had gone to bed
Gertie was glad she wanted to be
alone. and then her mother would be
sure to notice her flushed cheeks
her Inconsistencies OF course she
would tell her-but she wanted TO
keep the secret her own for the night
She undressed in the dark For a
time she sat by the window wrapped
in her kimono, wondering where Tom
was, if he, too, was thinking OF that
kiss-of her.
After a bit she crawled into bed be-
side Jennie. She softly patted the lit
tie girls cheek, loving her with new
sort of Iowa reflection of the feel
ing awakened in her by Toms caress-
idly she wondered If Lilly was hap
py when Len kissed her; as happy as
She was? If she were, no wonder she
was glad she was to marry Len O'Con-
nor; was to be with him all the time
Perhaps Lilly only talked of marry
ing for an easy time to hide her feel
ings; perhaps she really cared for the
other-love- She had laughed at her.
Gertie, when she talked of loving, but
if she had felt as she did, perhaps she
couldn't talk of it. Gertie knew she
couldn't speak of Tom casually, as
she had in the past. That light kiss
had given their friendship a new
meaning. yet one she didn't try to
analyze, perhaps she couldn't have
| analysed it had she tried.
Finally she slept, sweet dream
| less sleep, and awakened early. re-
freshed, happy. the memory of Toms
| goodnight still with her
He was coming at II to take Tim
for a ride. Her cheeks again grew
| hot as she shought she would see him.
She arose early, and sang as she
dressed.
What makes you so happy this
morning? 1 heard you singing" Tim
asked as she helped him get ready for
his outing.
Maybe because my little brother is
going to have a nice ride" she parried.
"Your eyes are like stars, amt they.
Ma ?" He appealed to Mrs. Cummings.
Yes, they most always are. Tim.
Here's your breakfast. dearie." the
practical mother replied. You must
eat every bit if you are going out
riding"
"Oh, I'll eat it fast enough! Geei
But it looks good" The little fellow
answered as he attacked the tempting,
food.
What time did you get in. Gertie?
Mrs. Cummings asked. Il was too
tired to set up
II came right home, Ma. Tom
brought mel"
What you bIushin' for ?" Tim asked.
| Just cause Tom brought you home in
! his buzz wagon % Tim was no differ
ent from other boys his age. in that
he dearly loved to tease his sisters.
I'm not blushing."
YES you are tool More'n ever now.
Amt she, Ma?
stop teasing your sister, Tim. Amt
you ashamed when she's SO good to
Iyou?" But in spite of her reprimand.
Mrs. Cummings looked keenly at
Gertie.
Gertie felt the glance and, of course.
grew crimson under the combined re-
gard of mother and brother, much to
Tins delight.
"There, didn't tell you she was
blushing," he said gleefully. "Whatd
Tom say. Gertte? Did he ask you to
marry him? Gee! Don't I wish no
would!"
viii you stop your nonsense, Tim
iCummings?" Gertie finally broke out
Indignantly. Ma won't let you go
riding if you don't. will you. MAJ"
I'D like to see you stop me, Gertie
Cummings! If you do I'll tell Tom
what 1 said, and that you asked Ma
to keep me home because 1 leased
you"
"Oh. Tint You never would"
you'd better be good or I will
there he comes now. Shall I tel
him?"
mo. Tim, I'll help you get ready.
promise you WON'T"
"All right I didn't mean to any OF
the time"
Tomorrow-Ton takes Mrs. Cum
nnings motoring)