The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-02
A Stenographer's
Romance
BY JANE PHELPS
BETTER BE SURE THAN SORRY

Chapter "a
Nellie had given up her position.
Donald could support a home and she,
as well as he. was pleased to think
this was SO. Not that she would not
have been willing to keep on as an
Garner, had it been necessary; but to
make a happy home for Donald vas
now her lob" as she told Cora.
And I'm going to make it a good
job. believe mel" she enthused. Tim
going to learn every last thing L can
about housekeeping and cooking. I
shall make IL lot of mistakes at first,
just as I did when 1 started to learn
tipping and shorthand; but If I keep
on trying shall make good. Donald
is crazy over the idea of a home. He
never has had one, since he was a lit
you don't think I'll love to make 1T
all a real home ought to be. And
we can entertain our friends, you and
Mrs. Roberts. Gladys and her husband
and Donald'S pals Why, Cora, it
seems to me no girl ever had so much
to make her ;lappyl"
Cora agreed she had a good deal,
the while she thought of how much
married George Fallon. But she said
nothing of this, praising Nellie for her
ambition to make her home perfect.
Nellie's trousseau had given her lit
tie trouble. The pretty negligees she
had made when she thought she was
to marry FaHon had hung unused in
her closet. A working girl, living in a
boarding house, has little time to
wear house gowns of any sort. Mrs.
Roberts had given her her wedding
outfit SO, with the addition of a cou-
pie of simple afternoon dresses, a hat,
shoes and SO on, she was suitably
equipped. No straining of pocket
book or nerves now, just a sensible
girls wardrobe. A girl who was
marrying a man who still had his
way to make; who must needs prac-
tice a certain economy.
AS was but natural Nellie felt a. lit
tie embarrassment when she told of
her second engagement; but Gladys,
Miss Jones, and Miss McBride-those
comprised her circle of intimate
friends-they were all SO whole
heartedly pleased. SO kind with her
circumstances soon left her.
Miss Mcbride had said in her blunt
way. And I CUES you are sure this
time. If looks are any sign, you are"
II am happy, Miss Mcbride, so
happy I could sing all day long,
Hang on to that kind of happiness,
dear. Not all of US experience. it,
1T seems TO me-now," Nellie said
slowly, that nothing's any good with
out it." She smiled at her listener.
THAT and work. If you miss that
work must stand for everything. Work
and trying to do ones bit to help
others. Don't look so sorry for me,
Nellie" She returned the smile. ct
had my little romance once-long
ago. 1t died. I never have had an
other. Now tell me about this Mr..
Horne, Donald~as you call him"
wen, he is tall and straight and
has laughing eyes He is just like a
boy in some ways, but strong and
manly. We are so happy when to-
gether. can talk to him just as easy
as Il can to you or Cora. I can't
quite explain it-but it seems as if
had known and loved him always. I
never felt--like that-with-the
other" she stammered a bit, 'altho
he was wonderful. Just knowing him
was good for me.
But Donald tells me all his little
gether-you know he is anxious to
day. not just an assistant; altho
think that fine. But do so want to
help <him-to be that kind of a wife"
She blushed adorably as she said the
word. He says he needs me. Isn't
that wonderful, Miss McBride2 To
feel that man needs you as well as
loves you. I pray etery night that I
won't disappoint him.
You won't, my dear. I am just
an old bachelor girl, but I know that
no women starts with that desire and
fails"
Nellie left Miss Mcbride with her
head held high, the glow of the beau
tiful thought shining on her face. |
Life, adventure called to her; but
above all she heard the call Of the |
man who needed her.
(Tomorrow-A society wedding1 |