The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-06-26
four DANCING FEET
TOM AND GERTIE CONFTDE IN
THE FAMILY.
BY JANE PHELPS


TOM AND GERTIE CONFTDE IN
THE FAMILY.
Chapter 81.
It had come to her-Gertie Cum
, mings-that most wonderful thing on
earth, the love of the man to whom
she had given her heart, without hope
that he would ever be more than her
friend.
Tom went up the narrow stairs with
her, his arm about her waist. At the
dooF-of the flat. he once again raised
her face and kissed ner, then their
faces glowing. happy IN the first ac-
acknowledgement of their love, they en-
tered upon the homely scene.
Supper was on the table, a late sup
per, delayed purposely in the hope
that Gertie and Tom would return in
time to share it. 1t had been a happy
Sunday for those who remained at
home as well as for Gertfe. Tim was
now walking without a crutch, using
only a stick to help himself about the
room; Jennie had passed all her ex-
aminations, and had been wonderful
ly pleased by flattering remarks; Mrs.
Cummings, loving mother that she
was, rejoiced in her childrens happi-
ness, and was happy herself because
they were.
Mrs. Arnold had been in, and had
shown a little neighborly jealousy,
which did not detract from Mrs. Cum
mings's good feeling.
We've got hot biscuits, Gertie!"
Tim called as the two lovers appeared.
Hurry up, you and Tom, or they'll get
cord!"
note in her voice that caused Mrs.
Cummings to glance keenly and quick
ly at her; then at Tom Norris, who
answered the look:
"Gertie has promised to marry me,
Mrs Cummings VIII you trust her
Gee! You bet she Will" Tim
broke out and in spite of his injury
hoped about on his stick, too excited
to keep still.
''Who asked your permission ?" Tom
rnings? I will try to make her
happy
The ever ready tears came to the
good woman's eyes, and as usual they
were wiped away on her apron before
she could reply:
God bless you bothi It's me that's
a happy mother. Yes, Tom, I trust
you, and know Gertie-loves you. Be
been a good girl. Whatever I shall do
without her I don't know!' Again
she needed to wipe away the tears.
There, ma. don't cry, I'm not mar
ried yet" Gertie blushed as she kissed
her. and then hid her face in her
Come on, the biscuits is getting
cold!" Tim called. already seated at
the table and munching one.
They all sat down, but save for Tim,
none of tt EN- had much appetite. They
had too much to talk about. Jennie
asked:
When are you going to get mar
ried, Gertie?"
mot until you are thru school, -
was the quiet answer.
Tom looked up, surprised. Said he:
you'll have to hurry, Jennie, I
don't intend to wait very long to give
the old ranch a mistress"
wen talk about that, Tom,'
Gertie said, a new dignity descending
IAN right. dear, but I shan't wait
very long" he repeated.
After the supper was cleared away,
and at signal from Mrs. Cummings.
Tom and Gertie were left alone. 1t
was late and he would stay but a few
moments.
You must let me help you now that
you belong to me, Gertie,'' he said as
they sat closely together hands locked
What do you mean, Tom?"
II have enough he was embar-
rassed," and you must let me help out
SO you can stop dancing. I hate to
think of your going to that place night
after night when I am not here to
bring you home"
NO. Tom. Neither mother or I
could take your money-not before.
Couldn't Tom
She spoke so earnestly that Tom
asked:
why. dear? It will all be yours
soon, yours and mine together"
Il just couldn't. Tom. Ma brought
us up never to, take money from any
one-until we were married. She al
ways told US real nice girls, the kind
you know / mean, never do Don't
ask me to, Tom, and please don't ask
Ma. She'd think you-was ashamed
Or
''All right, Gertie. I'll say no more
now. But" he stopped, then added:
She won't object to my giving you a
ring, viii she?''
They both laughed, "Gertie's face
crimson with bushes. "I'H come for
you tomorrow and VIII go and get it, :"
he said, taking her into his arms to
bid her goodnight.
(TomorrOw-Gertie and Lilly talk
together.)