The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-07
four DANCING FEET
GERrIE STUDIES THE CALENDAR
BY JANE PHELPS

CHAPTER 40
Gertie had a little calendar over her
bureau, and she studied it daily. Three
weeks of the month had gone-slipped
away somehow quickly in spite of her
longing to see Tom Norris. In a week
the month would be up. She tried to
calm her Impotence by recalling he
had said ''in about a month" that
might mean a little more than four
weeks she counted on the calendar
might mean five, perhaps.
Would he be the same Tom-the
same to her?
SHE asked herself this question
many times daily. 1t hardly seemed
reasonable that he would remember
so kind, all this while-the girl to
whom he had opened a new life; had
taught to long for better things, an
education, and refinement.
Feverishly she longed to show him
she had improved, that she had really
tried. If she couldn't have new
clothes, she did have better place to
receive him, a pretty little sitting
room instead of the kitchen. Yet he
hadn't seemed to mind, had been per-
fectIy at ease with the family, slipping
his tea, and complimenting her mother
upon her cooking. Sometimes she al
most wished she never had met him;
never known a young man so differ
cnt from those of her ne1ghborhood;
those whom Lilly considered good
enough for beaux- 1t had made them
all seem so common, even George
Murphy, who really was a nice fellow,
holding a good position
One day she caught Tim looking at
her, his eyes bright.
what is it. Tim ?" she asked.
IT was only thinking how pretty
YOU are, Cert. You're the prettiest
girl 1 know even in your old clothes.
guess them new ones you planned
to have before got hurt went for me,
didn't they?"
Iii he
answered. She had loved the little
boys frankness, his compliment.
What if they have! A good leg is
worth more than clothes, Jimmie
earn money again, and I will have
the clothes. If 1 don't have them I
won't be wearing them out-like L
would If had them now"
you're a brick, Gerti I guess L
know girls like new clothes. I hear
Lilly talk, and Jennie, too. heard
Jennie tell ma you looked awful shah
by, that Lilly said it was a shame you
couldn't -haye new hat. Can't you
manage just a hat? Don't get me
any more playthings and fruit. They
cost money"
Now who's the brick? You just
do as you are told, eat what we give
you and get well and strong, and stop
things to dance in, and that's all that
really counts. I don't go out much,
not like Lilly
"All right! But you just wait till
grow up and I'll fix you! Gee, but
don't I wish I was a man right now!
1t takes awful long for boy to grow
up"
After this talk Gertie stopped even
thinking of her shabbiness. Dear lit
tie Tim, willing to go without the fruit
the doctor said he needed and the
cheap toys that amused him when he
was tired of lying still He might
have been killed, then what would
any of them care for clothes?
Gertie's new dance had grown in
popularity. She gave an encore every
night, and Fagin, in very good humor
said: Get up another whenever you
feel like it, Miss Gertie. I'll stand for
the clothes"
Il don't have much time to practice
at home, my little brother broke his
leg, and he needs a lot of attention.
try to help Ma take care of him. But
I'll be thinking about a sort of but
terfly dance I have in mind, one I
started to practice when he was hurt"
Gertie was developing into an artist,
in a way. Fagin,' the clever 1rishman,
perceived it, and willingly helped her
aggrandizeme but it was help and
encouragement just the same.
: That's a great idea-a butterfly
with gorgeous wings, bright coIors
It'll cost a lot for a costume, but as
told you I'll stand the gaff. And"
he fumbled in his pocket. took out a
roll of bills. Here's SIS. L guess
you can use it if you've sickness in the
family.
Gertie was so surprised. so touched
by this unexpected generosity she
could scarcely thank the man.
''Therei ThereI Never mind the
thanks. Run along and practice your
butterfly Dance
I've got her nailed to the mast for
keeps!" he said to himself and to his
manager. She's a winner all right.
too"
omorrow-Happiness chases wor-
Hes.)